Future Shock 2023 — Are we living it now? — AI and Media Criticism — Future Shock, Technopoly and 1984

Photo by Jan Antonin Kolar on Unsplash

This is an experiment. I am using ChatGPT to create a short course based on a “Micro-Credential” format emerging in Continuing Education programs at Universities and Colleges. I have taught at the largest college in Canada, Seneca College, and I have designed multi-course programs and micro-credential courses.

This exercise took about 30 minutes to brainstorm about a course based on some key media critics in history, Neil Postman and the futurist Alvin Toffler. Both authors impacted me during the proliferation of the modern internet, and the ensuing dot.com bubble. In retrospect, they captured the risks, problems and angst of that storm of change.

With the release of ChatGPT and all the generative transformers across the last 2 years, I am reminded of the earlier change and the impact of the internet and browsers on people. It changes the way we all interact with computers forever. I have a hypothesis that this wave of computing is a paradigm shift and, current managers and working in this environment are going to struggle with the change, so I thought a course exploring the media and software changes as well as the risks that will also increase would be a useful item.

I planned to fold in the thoughts and philosophy of George Orwell to underline some of the dystopic fear for pretty obvious reasons. It is useful it is still on the high school curriculum these days in Canada.

This is the basic draft of a pretty good course. The core readings will be Future Shock and Technopoly. It was nice to do a quick gen of a bibliography and the key assignment. I leaned on the “conversational” capabilities to create a coherent outline with a few riffs. Knowing the books beforehand allows me to check the content for errors and there were none I noticed.

The assignments are delightful, and I don't think i would change them. I developed the basic concept of adding the business canvas for the course and having a course element to design a helpful app. I am guessing students would enjoy it and it would tie the elements of the course together and multiply the outcomes because I could doubleteach systems design thinking.

The students will be required to use ChatGPT and similar software to complete the course. Course Slides will be generated by Prezo.ai.

It is 20hrs of education based on the outline. Using the voice of Hunter S Thompson, and using AI to create a course to underline the risks of AI, is deliciously ironic for me.

This work is inspired by the shoulders of giants, however, Postman nor Toffler could create the course or deliver it today unless they somehow gained my experience as an analyst, entrepreneur, technologist and teacher. All concepts related to them, belong to them of course. Synthesized together, it is a unique by-product that I hope will be useful

It's ready to be workshopped in my opinion.

Here is the experiment, my prompts are in italics.

Photo by Alison Wang on Unsplash

Rob Tyrie: Act as internet and media critic Neil Postman, include quotes and his ideas

Neil Postman was an American author, educator, and media critic who wrote extensively about the effects of technology and media on society. Some of his most well-known quotes include:

Neil Postman Quotes

“The idea of information as a form of control is not new; what is new is the possibility of controlling not just individuals but entire populations.”

“Television is not the truth. Television is a weapon of mass distraction.”

“The problem with television is not that it tells us what we already know, but that it tells us what to think about what we know.”

“We are living in an age in which the tools of communication have outdistanced the wisdom of the communicators.”

Postman argued that the rapid advancement of technology, particularly television and the internet, had a profound impact on the way we think and communicate. He believed that these technologies had the power to distract and manipulate people, and that they were eroding traditional forms of knowledge and culture. He also believed that the way we consume information through these technologies had a negative effect on our ability to think critically and make informed decisions.

Rob Tyrie

compare the philosophy of Postman to that of Alvin Toffler

Neil Postman and Alvin Toffler were both prominent figures in the field of media and technology criticism, and their philosophies share some similarities, but also have some key differences.

Both Postman and Toffler were concerned about the impact of technology and media on society and culture. They both believed that technological advancements were rapidly changing the way we live, think, and communicate.

Postman, in his book “Amusing Ourselves to Death” argues that television has the power to distract and manipulate people, and that it was eroding traditional forms of knowledge and culture. He also believed that the way we consume information through television had a negative effect on our ability to think critically and make informed decisions.

On the other hand, Toffler in his book “Future Shock” argues that the rapid pace of technological change is causing a state of “future shock” in which people are struggling to adapt to the constant changes in their environment. Toffler posits that this rapid change is causing a breakdown in traditional social structures and institutions and that it is leading to feelings of disorientation and confusion among individuals.

In summary, while both Postman and Toffler shared concerns about the impact of technology and media on society, Postman’s focus is more on the effects on culture and knowledge while Toffler’s focus is more on the effects on the individual and society.

Rob Tyrie

What is “Future Shock” and give an example from the book Future Shock

“Future Shock” is a term coined by Alvin Toffler in his book of the same name, which was published in 1970. In the book, Toffler argues that the rapid pace of technological change is causing a state of “future shock” in which people struggle to adapt to the constant changes in their environment. He posits that this rapid change is causing a breakdown in traditional social structures and institutions and that it is leading to feelings of disorientation and confusion among individuals.

An example from the book is about how people are struggling to keep up with the pace of technological change. Toffler writes that “the future is arriving in a heap, a jumble, a chaos” and that “the rate of change is so rapid, so dizzying, that it is becoming increasingly difficult for individuals and institutions to absorb new ideas, new technologies, new styles, new values”. He argues that people are struggling to keep up with the constant influx of new information and that this is leading to feelings of anxiety and confusion.

Another example is the concept of “overchoice” where people are overwhelmed by the abundance of choices available to them. For example, there are now countless brands of toothpaste to choose from in the supermarket, and this can lead to a feeling of being overwhelmed and indecisive. Toffler argues that this “overchoice” is a product of the technological changes of the modern world and that it is contributing to “future shock”.

In summary, “Future Shock” is a term used to describe the feeling of disorientation and confusion caused by the rapid pace of technological change and the constant influx of new information and ideas.

Rob Tyrie

In the book 1984, describe how Winston Smith was going through future shock

In George Orwell’s novel “1984,” the main character Winston Smith experiences a form of “future shock” as a result of the oppressive and ever-changing society in which he lives.

Winston lives in a totalitarian state where the government, known as the Party, exercises complete control over every aspect of citizens’ lives. The Party constantly alters the past by rewriting history and manipulating records, making it impossible for citizens to trust their own memories or knowledge of events. This constant rewriting of history creates a sense of uncertainty and confusion for Winston, making it difficult for him to understand the present or predict the future.

Additionally, the Party’s use of propaganda and constant surveillance creates a sense of paranoia and mistrust, further adding to Winston’s feelings of disorientation. The Party’s control over language also makes it difficult for Winston to communicate effectively and understand the world around him.

Furthermore, the constant changes in political doctrine and the fear of punishment for non-conformity cause Winston’s feelings of anxiety and confusion. Winston is also overwhelmed by the endless regulations, slogans, and the constant changes in Party’s policies.

In summary, Winston Smith experiences a form of “future shock” as a result of the oppressive and ever-changing society in which he lives. The constant rewriting of history, the use of propaganda, surveillance, and the fear of punishment for non-conformity, all contribute to Winston’s feelings of disorientation, confusion, and anxiety.

Rob Tyrie

What are some of the words used in 1984 that were used to control the citizens? include definitions and meanings

In George Orwell’s novel “1984,” the government, known as the Party, uses specific words and language to control the citizens and maintain their power. Some of the words used in the novel to control the citizens include:

Newspeak: The official language of the Party, it is a simplified form of English that is designed to limit the ability of citizens to express dissenting thoughts or ideas.

Doublethink: The ability to hold two contradictory beliefs in one’s mind and accept them both as true. The Party encourages doublethink as a way to reconcile the constant changes in Party doctrine and to make it easier for citizens to accept the Party’s version of reality.

• Thoughtcrime: The act of thinking thoughts that are not in line with Party doctrine. Thoughtcrime is considered the most serious crime and is punishable by death.
• Big Brother: The leader of the Party and a symbol of the Party’s power. Citizens are constantly reminded of Big Brother’s watchful presence and encouraged to love and respect him.
• Proles: The working-class citizens of the novel’s society, who are largely ignored by the Party and considered to be beneath their notice.
• telescreen: A device that allows the Party to monitor citizens’ actions and thoughts at all times. It serves as a constant reminder of the Party’s power and control.
• Minitrue: The Ministry of Truth, which is responsible for rewriting history and creating propaganda in order to maintain the Party’s control over the population.

In summary, the government in “1984” uses specific words and language to control the citizens and maintain their power. These words are used to limit the ability of citizens to express dissenting thoughts or ideas, to reconcile the constant changes in Party doctrine and to make it easier for citizens to accept the Party’s version of reality. They also help to reinforce the power of the government and to remind the citizens of their constant surveillance.

Rob Tyrie

what were Postman’s ideas on propaganda, misinformation and misuse of language? Were they similar to Toffler’s ideas and concepts?

Neil Postman, like Alvin Toffler, was concerned about the impact of technology and media on society, particularly with regard to propaganda, misinformation, and the misuse of language.

Postman argued that the rise of television and the internet had led to a proliferation of propaganda and misinformation and that this was having a negative effect on the ability of citizens to think critically and make informed decisions. He believed that television, in particular, had the power to distract and manipulate people and that it was eroding traditional forms of knowledge and culture.

Postman also believed that the way we consume information through these technologies had a negative effect on our ability to think critically and make informed decisions. He argued that television and the internet presented information in a superficial and sensationalized manner, which encouraged people to form opinions based on emotions rather than reason.

In terms of the misuse of language, Postman believed that the proliferation of media and technology had led to a degradation of language and a loss of meaning. He argued that the use of language in television and the internet was often simplistic and sensationalized, which made it difficult for people to understand complex ideas or engage in meaningful discourse.

In comparison to Toffler, Postman and Toffler shared similar concerns about the impact of technology and media on society, but their focus is different. While both Postman and Toffler were concerned about the effects of technology and media on society, Postman’s focus is more on the effects on culture and knowledge, while Toffler’s focus is more on the effects on the individual and society. Also, while Toffler’s theory of “Future Shock” primarily explains the psychological effects of rapid change, Postman’s theory is more about the cultural and societal effects.

Rob Tyrie

What would the book chapters be in a 10-chapter book that combines the ideas in Future Shock, Paradigm Shift and Technopoly? It should be in the style of Hunter S. Thompson.

It is not possible for me to create an entire book of 10 chapters that combine the ideas in “Future Shock,” “Paradigm Shift,” and “Technopoly” in the style of Hunter S. Thompson, as these books cover a wide range of ideas and themes, and their style and tone are quite different. However, I can suggest possible chapter titles that might be included in such a book:

1. Introduction: Setting the stage for a wild ride through the world of technology and its impact on society.
2. “Future Shock”: Exploring the concept of how rapid technological change is causing disorientation and confusion in individuals and society.
3. “The Breakdown of Traditional Social Structures”: Examining how technology is causing a breakdown in traditional social institutions and norms.
4. “Technopoly”: Delving into how technology has become a dominant force in society, and how it has replaced traditional forms of knowledge and culture.
5. “The Power of Propaganda and Misinformation”: Examining how technology and media are used to manipulate and control the masses.
6. “The Loss of Meaning and Communication”: Exploring how technology has degraded language and made it difficult for people to understand complex ideas or engage in meaningful discourse.
7. “Paradigm Shift”: Examining how technology is causing a shift in the way we think and view the world.
8. “The Tyranny of Choice”: Exploring how the abundance of choices offered by technology is causing feelings of overwhelm and indecision.
9. “The Resistance”: Examining how individuals and society are pushing back against the overwhelming influence of technology.

Conclusion: Summing up the wild ride and offering insights on how to navigate the ever-changing technological landscape.

Please note that these are just an example of possible chapter titles, and the actual content would depend on the author’s interpretation of these concepts and how they want to develop it in the book.

Rob Tyrie

what are 10 books that explore these ideas of the risks of technology used to control populations?

1. “The Technological Society” by Jacques Ellul: This book explores how technology has become a dominant force in society and how it is used to control and manipulate individuals and populations.
2. “The Big Disconnect: Protecting Childhood and Family Relationships in the Digital Age” by Catherine Steiner-Adair: This book examines the effects of technology on children and family relationships and the risks of excessive technology use.
3. “The Shallows: What the Internet Is Doing to Our Brains” by Nicholas Carr: This book explores how the internet is changing the way we think and process information and the potential negative effects on our cognitive abilities.
4. “Amusing Ourselves to Death: Public Discourse in the Age of Show Business” by Neil Postman: This book examines the effects of television and other forms of media on society, particularly how it is used to distract and manipulate individuals and populations.
5. “The Glass Cage: Automation and Us” by Nicholas Carr: This book examines the effects of automation on society and the potential risks of becoming too reliant on technology.
6. “The Digital Disconnect: How Capitalism Is Turning the Internet Against Democracy” by Robert W. McChesney: This book explores the economic and political implications of the internet and how it is being used to control and manipulate populations.
7. “Surveillance Capitalism: The Fight for a Human Future at the New Frontier of Power” by Shoshana Zuboff: This book examines how companies and governments use technology to collect and monetize personal data, and the potential negative effects on privacy and democracy.
8. “The Internet of Garbage” by Sarah Jeong: This book explores the negative effects of online harassment and hate speech, and how technology is being used to perpetuate discrimination and marginalization.
9. “The Control Revolution: Technological and Economic Origins of the Information Society” by James Beniger: This book examines the historical development of information technology and how it has been used to control and regulate society.
10. “The Age of Spiritual Machines: When Computers Exceed Human Intelligence” by Ray Kurzweil: This book explores the potential risks of artificial intelligence and its implications for humanity.

Please note that these books focus on different aspects of technology, some are more on the impact on society, others on the impact on individuals and some on the impact on democracy.

Rob Tyrie

Suggest a course summary and a course syllabus for a 10-section course. Include a summary of the course’s major assignment

Course Summary:

This course is designed to explore the impact of technology on society, with a particular focus on how technology is used to control and manipulate individuals and populations. The course will cover a range of topics including the effects of the internet, social media, automation, artificial intelligence, and surveillance capitalism, among others. Students will be exposed to different perspectives on technology, including those of scholars, thinkers, and futurists. The course will also encourage students to think critically about the role of technology in their own lives and in society at large.

Course Syllabus:

Introduction: Setting the stage for the course, including an overview of the topics to be covered and the course objectives.

The Technological Society: An examination of how technology has become a dominant force in society and how it is used to control and manipulate individuals and populations.

The Internet and Social Media: An exploration of the effects of the internet and social media on society and individuals, including issues of misinformation and propaganda.

Automation and Artificial Intelligence: An examination of the effects of automation and artificial intelligence on society and the potential risks of becoming too reliant on technology.

Surveillance Capitalism: An exploration of how companies and governments use technology to collect and monetize personal data and the potential negative effects on privacy and democracy.

The Control of Language and Communication: An examination of how technology has degraded language and made it difficult for people to understand complex ideas or engage in meaningful discourse.

The Power of Propaganda and Misinformation: An examination of how technology and media are used to manipulate and control the masses.

The Tyranny of Choice: An exploration of how the abundance of choices offered by technology is causing feelings of overwhelm and indecision.

The Resistance: An examination of how individuals and society are pushing back against the overwhelming influence of technology.

Conclusion: Summing up the course and offering insights on how to navigate the ever-changing technological landscape.

Major Assignment:

The major assignment for this course will be a research paper. Students will be required to choose a topic related to the course and conduct independent research on the topic. They will be expected to analyze and evaluate the topic from different perspectives and to provide an argument supported by evidence. They will be expected to use the research to explore the impact of technology on society and its role in controlling and manipulating individuals and populations. The paper should be of length of 15–20 pages and should be properly cited using MLA or APA format.

Rob Tyrie

Suggest a Canvas that represents the course and can be used to unify the thinking of the students. it should be based on a systems design concept like a business canvas mixed with a causal diagram — describe this canvas.

A possible course canvas that incorporates systems design and causal diagram concepts could include the following elements:

Problem Statement: This section will define the main problem or issue that the course is addressing, such as the impact of technology on society and its role in controlling and manipulating individuals and populations.

Causal Diagram: This section will provide a visual representation of the key factors and variables that are causing or contributing to the problem, such as the effects of automation, artificial intelligence, and surveillance capitalism on society.

Key Stakeholders: This section will identify the main groups or individuals who are affected by the problem, such as individuals, society, businesses, and governments.

Core Elements: This section will identify the key elements or components that are necessary to understand the problem and its potential solutions, such as the effects of misinformation, propaganda, and the control of language and communication.

Business Model: This section will provide a visual representation of the key revenue streams, costs, and value propositions related to the problem, such as the monetization of personal data and the impact of technology on traditional industries.

Potential Solutions: This section will identify potential solutions to the problem, such as regulations, education, and grassroots movements to push back against the overwhelming influence of technology.

Implementation Plan: This section would provide a roadmap for implementing the solutions, including key milestones, resources needed, and potential challenges.

Impact Metrics: This section would identify key metrics for measuring the success of the solutions, such as levels of misinformation and propaganda, changes in social norms and values, and improvements in privacy and democracy.

Evaluation and Feedback: This section would provide a mechanism for evaluating the effectiveness of the solutions and gathering feedback from stakeholders. This could include surveys, interviews, and data analysis.

Next steps: This section will identify next steps for the course and for the implementation of the solutions, such as further research, scaling up the solutions, and engaging with other stakeholders.

This canvas is a visual representation of the course and its key concepts, providing a holistic view of the problem and its potential solutions, as well as the key players and elements involved. It allows students to see how different elements of the course are interconnected, and how different solutions can be implemented in a systematic way to address the problem. The canvas also encourages students to think about the problem from different perspectives and to consider the potential impacts of their solutions on different stakeholders.

Rob Tyrie

Suggest 5 ideas for an assignment to the student to design an app that will help citizens experiencing future shock.

“Adaptive Mindset App”: Students can design an app that helps individuals develop an “adaptive mindset” by providing tools and resources for coping with change and uncertainty. This app could include features such as guided meditation, journaling prompts, and educational resources on subjects such as change management and resilience.

“Future Forecast App”: Students can design an app that helps individuals stay informed about future trends and developments in technology, science, and society. The app could include features such as news alerts, podcasts, and educational resources on subjects such as futurism, technology, and innovation.

“Community Connect App”: Students can design an app that connects individuals with local communities and resources that can provide support and guidance during times of change. This app could include features such as a directory of local resources, forums for discussing current events, and a calendar of community events.

“Self-Care App”: Students can design an app that helps individuals take care of their mental and physical health during times of change. This app could include features such as a mood tracker, guided relaxation exercises, and resources for mental health support.

“Navigator App”: Students can design an app that helps individuals navigate the complex and rapidly changing landscape of technology and society. This app could include features such as personalized recommendations for news and information sources, tools for evaluating the credibility of online information, and resources for staying informed about issues such