Our Computers, Ourselves

The 'Our Computers, Ourselves' episode of the 'Invisibilia' podcast explores the intricate relationship between humans and computers, and how this relationship shapes our behavior and emotions. The episode opens with the story of Steve Barclay, who received a photo speeding ticket in the early '90s—a time when automated traffic enforcement was a novel concept. Feeling violated by the lack of human involvement, Steve responds by sending a Xerox copy of money to the police department, only to receive a humorous Xerox of handcuffs in return. This exchange with the Campbell Police Chief Jim Cost, who had introduced photo enforcement to reduce accidents, sets the stage for a broader discussion on the complexities of our acceptance and discomfort with computer surveillance and automation.

As the narrative unfolds, the hosts introduce Thad Starner, a pioneer in wearable computing who has lived with a computer strapped to his body for over two decades. His experience with 'Lizzy,' his wearable computer system, reveals the potential for computers to augment human memory and interaction. Starner's remembrance agent program, for example, allowed him to access relevant information during conversations, enriching his social interactions and making him feel more confident and powerful. The episode delves into the implications of such intimate integration with technology, questioning whether computers are merely the next step in a long line of human tools or if they represent a more profound shift in our capabilities and identity.

The episode also examines the darker side of our digital interactions, as exemplified by Pete, a man who started an anonymous Twitter account to shame rude behavior on the subway. His initial sense of therapeutic release from documenting and sharing these moments turned into a spiral of seeking out negativity and engaging in mean-spirited behavior himself. His story illustrates the 'online disinhibition effect,' where the lack of social cues and the veil of anonymity can lead to a release of aggression and a departure from one's offline persona.

The episode concludes with a poignant moment where a breakup over the phone is abruptly ended when tears short-circuit the device, highlighting the limitations of computers in the face of raw human emotion. Despite the transformative power of technology, the story suggests that there remains an elemental part of our humanity that resists digital encapsulation.