Through an array of newly emerging technologies the world of relationships becomes increasingly saturated. We engage in greater numbers of relationships, in a greater variety of forms, and with greater intensities than ever before. With the multiplication of relationships also comes a transformation in the social capacities of the individual – both in knowing how and knowing that. The relatively coherent and unified sense of self inherent in a traditional culture gives way to manifold and competing potentials. A multiphrenic condition emerges in which one swims in ever-shifting, concatenating, and contentious current of being. One bears the burden of an increasing array of thoughts, of self-doubts and irrationalities. The possibility for committed romanticism or strong and single-minded modernism recedes, and the way is opened for the postmodern being.
Predictor: Gergen, Kenneth J.
Prediction, in context:The 1997 book “Computers, Ethics, and Society,” edited by M. David Ermann, Mary B. Williams and Michele S. Shauf, carries an excerpt of “The Saturated Self,” a 1991 book by Kenneth J. Gergen. Gergen argues that technology has transformed social relationships. He writes: ”We find a profound sea change taking place in the character of social life during the 20th century. Through an array of newly emerging technologies the world of relationships becomes increasingly saturated. We engage in greater numbers of relationships, in a greater variety of forms, and with greater intensities than ever before. With the multiplication of relationships also comes a transformation in the social capacities of the individual – both in knowing how and knowing that. The relatively coherent and unified sense of self inherent in a traditional culture gives way to manifold and competing potentials. A multiphrenic condition emerges in which one swims in ever-shifting, concatenating, and contentious current of being. One bears the burden of an increasing array of thoughts, of self-doubts and irrationalities. The possibility for committed romanticism or strong and single-minded modernism recedes, and the way is opened for the postmodern being.”
Date of prediction: January 1, 1991
Topic of prediction: Community/Culture
Subtopic: Relationships
Name of publication: Computers, Ethics, and Society (book)
Title, headline, chapter name: Social Relations and Personal Identity in a Computerized Society
Quote Type: Direct quote
Page number or URL of document at time of study:
Page 145
This data was logged into the Elon/Pew Predictions Database by: Guarino, Jennifer Anne