Techno-Human Mesh: The Growing Power of Information Technologies

by Cynthia West

Overview

Dr. Cynthia K. West examines the intersection of information technologies, power, people, and bodies. Informed by more than ten years as a digerati in Silicon Valley and a political theorist, she offers a unique perspective on the direction in which information technologies are leading North American and global societies and cultures. Not only are information technologies bringing positive changes, technologies are embedded in what Michel Foucault calls power networks. Information technologies inherit influences from prior historical, cultural, and social events. West's research examines how information technologies are on a path of creating efficiency, productivity, profitability, surveillance, and control.

Human-machine interface technologies are merging more and more with physical bodies. Surveillance technologies are supervising human activities in an increasingly panoptic fashion. Biometric technologies record data from the body's parts—hands, retinas, irises, and even body odor. But as West points out, we need to ask ourselves just how digital do we want to become? West calls for an ethics dialogue not only among digerati within the industry but also a dialogue which allows for public participation. Where do we want to lead the technology? Instead of continuing to embrace the goals of the technocratic paradigm, how can we use the technologies toward more humanistic goals? West concludes by offering six levels of active participation for positive change. This book will be of particular interest to scholars and students of contemporary science and technology as well as participants in information technology.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781567204094
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	11/30/2000
Pages:	240
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.56(d)

About the Author

CYNTHIA K. WEST is an independent consultant with more than ten years of experience working in the information technology industry, specializing in Internet start-up companies./e Dr. West served as a vice president of sales and marketing at Silicon Valley start-ups, and she is a lifetime member of the Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility.

Table of Contents

Preface
Introduction: Major Issues
The Digerati: Economic, Political and Social Framework
The Merging of People and Digital Devices: History and Practices
Increasing Surveillance in Law Enforcement, at Work, and in the Marketplace
Conclusion: Recommendations for Change
Appendix: Theoretical Issues Concerning the Interface of People and Machines
Glossary
Bibliography
Index

Editorial Reviews

Examines the intersection of information technologies, power, and human bodies, and considers the direction in which information technologies are shaping societies and cultures globally. The book first explores how human-machine interface technologies change the ways physical bodies interact. The much-celebrated changes brought by information technologies are then contrasted with the conjecture that those technologies are embedded in what Foucault calls power networks. The author questions the resulting values of the high-tech elite, as well as the trend toward omnipresent surveillance. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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