So, I read the first two pages of the article and thought to myself, "What the heck is this guy on?” Then I went back and noticed that it was written in 1960! Haha I should have known it wasn’t a recent publication though since the title is "Man-Computer Symbiosis" and not "Human-Computer Symbiosis!" :p
Anyway, what I learned from the article was the concept of how Licklider believed that humans and computers could engage in a symbiotic relationship with each other. I actually have never thought of it that way before so it was an interesting concept for me, and I would definitely classify my own relationship with my computer as a symbiotic relationship. I think a majority of people today would do the same since so many of us rely on our computers for our day-to-day activities. (Oh btw, even though I would classify my relationship with my computer as symbiotic, I don’t think I would use that term. For some reason, using that technical term scares me since it reminds me of the movie, “I, Robot!” LOL)
Finally, what is the most interesting to me about the article is how ahead of his time Licklider was since this article was written decades ago. Licklider envisioned a relationship where computers would be able to greatly contribute to such things as the formulative parts of technical problems (Licklider 1960, 3). Today, computers have done just that and so much more. Hmm, I wonder how Licklider would react if he saw the relationship humans have with their computers today! I suspect he would a little bit shocked but would probably point at his colleagues who laughed at him and thought he was crazy and say, “I told you so!” hahaha
I also thought that it was interesting to see how Licklider was ahead of his time with his visions of where technology would take the relationship of humans and computers. Back then people must have thought he was crazy for his envisionments, but I think it really shows now that there almost are no limits to where technology can take us, especially in such a short amount of time. 10 years ago we didn't have smart phones with built in GPS systems that allowed us to carry video calls and browse the internet while making a phone call. I'm sure many of us envisioned it, but I don't think anyone would have the idea would develop so soon. It kind of makes me wonder what kind of gadgets we'll be able to get our hands on within the next 10 years. The only difference for us is that we know now what lengths technology is capable of reaching, so to envision even the exteremest idea wouldn't be very far fetched. In some senses, we almost expect technology to be at a certain level of adancement that we are sometimes 'disappointed' in the features some devices still lack.
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