[Technology could turn many computer users into] electronic shut-ins [detached from real-world problems and experiences – and from society’s disadvantaged] … Digitized encounters with reality can erode the human capacity for significance. Putting faith in reams of data can foster a god-like omniscience, a false sense of being in control and a detachment from the world of physical cause and effect.
Predictor: Gans, Herbert
Prediction, in context:In a 1995 article for The Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Marcia Stepanek of Hearst Newspapers interviews scholars about their views of the expected impact of communications networks, quoting sociologist Herbert Gans of Columbia University, a media critic. Stepanek writes: ”Herbert Gans, a Columbia University sociologist and media critic, suggests the new technology could turn many computer users into ‘electronic shut-ins’ detached from real-world problems and experiences – and from society’s disadvantaged … “Digitized encounters with reality can erode the human capacity for significance. Putting faith in reams of data can foster a god-like omniscience, a false sense of being in control and a detachment from the world of physical cause and effect.'”
Date of prediction: March 1, 1995
Topic of prediction: Community/Culture
Subtopic: Social Withdrawal/Addiction
Name of publication: Seattle Post-Intelligencer
Title, headline, chapter name: Scholars Try to Measure the Impact
Quote Type: Partial quote
Page number or URL of document at time of study:
http://web.lexis-nexis.com/universe/document?_m=a2da499fc860f603f890270e01d5c693&_docnum=1&wchp=dGLbVtb-lSlAl&_md5=c06b25b68e8d45fca948131279df77d3
This data was logged into the Elon/Pew Predictions Database by: Garrison, Betty