1. Bodies
& ICT By
Russell Weissman
Jennifer Dowe

2. Bodies & ICT “Natural” Bodies & “Artificial” Technology
Approach the Body & Penetrate It
Acceptance
Traditional Associations
Changing Beliefs & Norms
“Fashion”
The Future

3. Bodies & ICT
“Natural” Bodies & “Artificial” Technology
What are the relationships between “natural” bodies and “artificial” technology?
Similarities
Differences
Oppositions
Complements

4. Bodies & ICT Similarities: How is the Human Body a Machine?
“Natural” Bodies & “Artificial” Technology
Similarities:
How is the Human Body a Machine?
Both are physical systems, and both are interconnecting independent systems made up of hardware and software.
- Brain < > Processor/Hard Drive (memory)
- Body < > Machine/Hardware
- Heart < > Battery
- Organs < > Essential Components
Both perform tasks in response to input.
- Sensory (body)
- Variable (computer)

5. Bodies & ICT Differences: The computer has a long way to go!
“Natural” Bodies & “Artificial” Technology
Differences:
The computer has a long way to go!
The body self repairs and is more complex.
- The body has emotion.
- The body has the ability to conceptualize.
- The body has the ability to supply its own power.
- The body is capable of problem solving without all necessary pieces.
- The body can adapt itself to changing situations.
- The body has superior methods of obtaining input.

6. Bodies & ICT Opposed: - Nintendo-thumb
“Natural” Bodies & “Artificial” Technology
Opposed:
Technology is not always good for the body.
- Nintendo-thumb
- Joystick wrist
Technology detracts from intimate contact.
- Availability of porn and sex toys means less human interaction
- Machines provide ways to escape “real life.”
- Negative on Reproduction: less sex equals less…well, you get it.
Communication Technology = less need for face-to-face contact

7. Bodies & ICT Complementary:
“Natural” Bodies & “Artificial” Technology
Complementary:
The Body and the Machine can work together.
- The machine helps with communication and processing of information.
- Creative Purpose
- If machines are designed for the body, it helps them get along.
- Maintaining relationships
- Scheduling

8. Bodies & ICT
Approach the Body & Penetrate It
Factors that make it possible for ICTs to first approach the body and then penetrate it:
Uncertain boundaries of the body itself
- Mechanical Extension of the Body
People’s tendencies to imagine archetypal figures of the body as a machine or, vice-versa, of machines as the human body.

10. Bodies & ICT Current uses - Machines we accept on/in our Bodies
Acceptance
Bodies & ICT
Current uses - Machines we accept on/in our Bodies
Ways the body attracts and envelops artificial machines:
- Diagnostic > Probes
- Therapeutic > Pacemakers, radiation, hormonal therapies
- Reproductive > In Vitro Fertilization
Identity > Plastic Surgery, Genetic Engineering, Sex Change, Virtual,
Tattoos and Piercings
Communicative > Cellular, Laptop, Pager, , IM, Text Message
- Entertainment > Gaming
- Sex Toys
- Intermediary > Technology of these services is the intermediary to
physical, social, professional relationships

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12. Bodies & ICT
Traditional Associations
What are the traditional associations concerning bodies and technology?
The traditional body is:
Private Personal – to Individual
Private Internal – Function, Reproduction
Public External – Presence, Identity, Labor
Traditional technology is:
External – Separate from the body
Public Labor - Separate from the body
- Industrialization
- Computing
Private & Public Communication
- From the telegraph to wireless technologies

13. Bodies & ICT Changing beliefs and norms are changing:
Changing Beliefs & Norms
Changing beliefs and norms are changing:
Labor is shifting from physical to intellectual.
> the more technologies we have
= the more we want
= the more we develop = the more we buy
= the more we use
=specifically in the workplace
We are outsourcing manual labor to countries with fewer ITCs.
There is more responsibility for the individual to use ICTs
- Job Requirements (middle management cut out) - Knowledge of technology used to carry out tasks
Intimacy
- More virtual contact = less physical contact.
- The Internet is making traditionally private things more public:
- Talking about private things in a “public domain” is leading to fewer and fewer truly “private” subjects.
- The Internet is blurring the lines between public and private
- Acceptance of the artificial as normal in the personal life is growing

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15. Bodies & ICT
“Fashion”
Computing and communication devices are currently being designed and marketed as “fashion.”
Wearable Computing means:
- Highly personal devices
- Always powered on
- Always accessible
- Serves user through all aspects of daily life
Can be picked up off of the table or put into our pocket
PDA, Mobile Phones, Computational Watches

16. Bodies & ICT
The Future
What is the future evolution of the relationship between ICTs and the body (where are we going)?
ICTs will be:
- Cheaper
- More Accessible (ie: vibrators available on Amazon)
- More Acceptable (Women sharing experiences with toys)
- Improvements in materials, motors, and marketing will continue.
- There will be more decoration and personalization of technology.
- Technology will continue to grow as a status symbol. - Technology that penetrates the private body even more will be developed.
> nanotechnology (ie: nanorobots)
- It is a matter of when, not whether.
> The technology is there, It’s just waiting to be developed.

17. Bodies & ICT
The Future

18. Bodies & ICT