Friday, September 17, 2004

Digital Technology's Impact on Culture

Michael Blowhard makes the interesting point that while "the move from analog to digital is the most significant change in the basis of culture since the invention of the printing press," there is a frustrating dearth of commentary on this phenomenon. No one asks or attempts to answer such questions as “Where are we going? Where have we been? And how is our experience of culture changing?” re: the digital revolution. Realistically (and I am showing my ignorance here), were there folks commenting on the impact of the printing press on the culture in which they lived? I doubt there were many. Besides, future punditry ends up so solipsistic, doesn’t it? Better to comment on tactile, safe territory such as robots and cordless phones.

I would have to say that this is precisely what makes blogs such as 2Blowhards so wonderful. They can engage on more nebulous topics, which print publications like the NYT must stay in safer, more explored, and already-developed areas.

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