Digital, in its general sense, refers to anything electronic or computerized. But apparently, there is much more to that definition. According to Eyman and his many sources, digital has a technological definition. In technological terms, digital is any system made up of district, separate values. A code either 0 or 1. Specific steps to get from one place to the other. Analog, on the other hand, uses more traditional tools. They do this by continuous rhythm, “waveforms.” A continuous loop of information allows there to be no set steps to follow. No limits to collecting and processing information. Sounds cool but, analog is very limited into how much and the quality of data it stores.
Nonetheless, the difference between a digital thermometer and a traditional analog thermometer blew my mind. That was as far as this went. My interest was largely on a compare and contrast basis. So, if that’s how far as it went, what’s up with my title?
Try to look at the technological definition of digital, in a more general sense. If it truly is systems that use separate codes and values, much of a lot would fit into that category. The article gives examples like writing, braille, and Morse code. That’s where my title comes from. I am pre-writing this in my journal (digital) and transferring it to my laptop (digitized). I challenge us to think of more instances where what we’re doing would be considered digital, analog, and digitized. Ponder what is that you, a regular degular person, do in distinct steps. What is smooth like a wave with no ending necessarily concrete.
What did you come up with?
For me, I think of my dance classes. The music itself would be considered analog (i think). However, what of the choreographed steps we learn piece by piece? One step already thought of, carefully woven into the next. There is a specific way the choreographer wants us to move, certain beats they have us look for. Whereas improv, dancing on a whim for creative expression and mental release, would be analog. My moves never really had a start or finish just like the sound of my voice when singing.
Maybe none of this makes sense and I have it all wrong. Maybe it does. Either way, it’s pretty cool to think of their differences; their similarities, advantages, and disadvantages. The strides we made from basic communication are impactful compared to a time before literacy was tangible.
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