“Digital” is a weird little word, isn’t it? We hear it constantly in our daily lives, and yet most people (including myself) would struggle to define it clearly. Thankfully, Jessica Dos Santos’ piece “Digital” and Khristy Ravas’ piece “Understanding ‘Digital’ in Writing and Other Contexts” managed to define it in a pretty straightforward and understandable way.
What does it mean?
Ravas defined digital as describing “the act of encoding data into small amounts” which refers to computer’s ability to catalog information. Similarly, Dos Santos defined digital technology as “any technology that generates, stores, and processes data using binary code” meaning that it must use binary language. The binary system is one that transmits all information in ones and zeroes. This is different to other systems because they use full complex alphabets that are easier for people but harder for computers to understand.
This technology literally surrounds us at all times. Our phones, computers, and cars are all full of it. They are all always collecting data about everything around them (including us).
Do I fit in a digital world?
You would probably agree with me if you said it was annoying when people say they were born in the wrong time. It is usually some white guy who wants to live in an idealized 1950s with cool cars and doo wop music. All the while forgetting that that time was horrible for anyone who was not like him.
While I do fall into that category, I often do wish that I had lived before our current technologically advanced world. While this tech does make our lives easier and more convenient, it comes with many drawbacks. There are often times where I am confused by digital technology, which leads to frustration. Furthermore, I see firsthand the effects that these technologies have on people’s brains. Our attention spans have collectively shrunk. People with anxiety (like myself) are often damaged by the constant feed of information that digital technology provides as well.
Obviously I am glad to live in a time with advanced computerized technology. My mother had to haul books to class because there was no other way to hold that much information. My father had to tape songs off of the radio to enjoy some Harry Chapin in his childhood. I am not unaware of the endless conveniences that technology has afforded me. But, just because these things are good does not mean that they are without fault.
Initial Articles can be reached here:
Rivas – https://books.chrisfriend.us/3080/chapter/understanding-digital-in-context/
Dos Santos – https://books.chrisfriend.us/3080/chapter/digital/
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