Contemplative Media Studies

2018

JVWR

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Using the grounded theory method (GTM), this article proposes an “integral” model for studying the development and use of virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) technologies. Integral models seek holistic understanding by combining third-person, empirical perspectives with first-person, subjective experience. Here, the proposed model provides a comparative analysis of immersive virtual reality (VR) platforms and the practice of lucid dreaming (maintaining conscious self-awareness while dreaming). Based on a discursive analysis of technologists’ statements about VR, and a review of literature on lucid dreaming, this article identifies a largely unexamined area of research. Indeed, the proposed model suggests that dream research is highly relevant to VR development as a catalyst for ethical critique of emerging commercial technologies. Though informed by Buddhist philosophy, this is primarily a secular approach based in moral-developmental psychology and contemplative studies. It constitutes an example of Contemplative Media Studies, which involves the application of contemplative practices and principles to the critical analysis of media technologies, content, and institutions.

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Dreaming the Virtual: How Lucid Dream Practice Can Inform VR Development

2018

JVWR

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“…Assuming the role of psychoanalyst, Zuckerberg (2016) rejects the notion that fake news influenced the election as “a pretty crazy idea” and accused its proponents of demonstrating “a profound lack of empathy.” This rhetoric of care and empathy is belied by an attitude of contempt pervasive among tech elites. The disdain with which Zuckerberg dismissed the “dumb fucks” at Harvard who trusted him with their personal data is echoed in similar statements from executives at Apple, OkCupid, and Uber (Healey 2015, 959). As Hoffmann (2014) notes, “showing contempt doesn’t have to be a deliberate or intentional act—one can also show contempt simply by failing to take into account people or things that should, in fact, count.” To the extent that this ethos of unreflective privilege informs design and policy decisions, commercial platforms like Facebook constitute “architectures of contempt” (Healey 2015, 958).…”

Section: Conclusion: Coding Beyond the Privileged Selfmentioning

confidence: 98%

Coding the Privileged Self: Facebook and the Ethics of Psychoanalysis “Outside the Clinic”

Potter

2017

Television & New Media

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Analysis of official statements from Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg, as well as other representatives, demonstrates how the company appropriates moral-developmental concepts to construct relationships with users that mimic the clinical relationship between analyst and patient. This performance of psychoanalysis “outside the clinic” is ethically fraught. After identifying the company’s perspective on the nature and dynamics of the self, we show how Facebook’s attempts to cultivate specific moral virtues like authenticity and integrity are undercut by its commercial imperatives. To the extent that it neglects this tension, the construction of self encoded in Facebook’s platform architecture will continue to reflect a dynamic of socioeconomic privilege endemic to Silicon Valley’s elite subculture and will therefore amplify preexisting social inequities. We conclude with some preliminary suggestions for how alternative architectures could mitigate these issues.

“…The disconnect between Explorers and their critics supports Toyama's (2015) argument that "privileged society" tends to "stagnate in self-actualization" (p. 262). As Healey (2015) argues, the technological benefits enjoyed by Silicon Valley elites unfold within the bounds of "integrity bubbles"that is, "limited contexts of work and family life in which a small but satisfied group enjoys an experience of harmony unavailable to others" (p. 962).…”

Section: Augmenting Privilegementioning

confidence: 99%

“…Concerns about the disciplinary gaze of law enforcement and mass media parallel those expressed by the term "Glassholes". Law enforcement's implementation of wearable technology may entrench what Healey (2015) calls "architectures of contempt" (p. 958). Similarly, the "#AllLivesMatter" response to #BlackLivesMatter, which expresses the refusal of a dominant majority to recognize the suffering of an oppressed minority, mirrors the problematic claim by Glass wearers that they are victims of hate crimes and discrimination.…”

Section: Augmenting Technocracymentioning

confidence: 99%

Augmenting justice: Google glass, body cameras, and the politics of wearable technology

Stephens

2017

JICES

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Purpose This paper aims to uncover the assumptions and concerns driving public debates about Google Glass and police body cameras. In doing so, it shows how debates about wearable cameras reflect broader cultural tensions surrounding race and privilege. Design/methodology/approach The paper employs a form of critical discourse analysis to discover patterns in journalistic coverage of these two technologies. Findings Public response to Glass has been overwhelmingly negative, while response to body cameras has been positive. Analysis indicates that this contrasting response reflects a consistent public concern about the dynamics of power and privilege in the digital economy. While this concern is well-founded, news coverage indicates that technologists, policy makers and citizens each hold assumptions about the inevitability and unvarnished beneficence of technology. Research limitations/implications Since this qualitative approach seeks to discern broad emergent patterns, it does not employ a quantifiable and reproducible coding schema. Practical implications The article concludes by arguing that grassroots action, appropriate regulatory policy and revitalized systems of professional journalism are indispensable as the struggle for social justice unfolds in the emerging digital economy. Social implications These debates represent a struggle over what and how people see. Yet public discourse often glosses over the disadvantages of technological change, which impacts who is able to amass social power. Originality/value This comparative approach yields unique conceptual insight into debates about technologies that augment ways of seeing.