Enter the Matrix

Among the articles, there appears a common theme: how is the evolution of technology driven? Almost naturally, it seems like survival of the fittest: a balance between the needs of the environment (society) and the drive of the inventor (robustness of the creature). In Williams' article, technology is described both in its technical requirements for evolving (what first...) as well as it cultural impacts like globalization and class consciousness. There are equalizing as well as hierarchical forces in play, and this demonstrates both the power and fragility of technology as a text: it is always changing, and and individual's choices in it are both passive and active, intentional as well as unavoidable. As Hillis explores, media technologies are immersive; demanding attention and creating an alternative, virtual reality. The connection to society depends on how people are affected and how they choose to participate. The main goal in understanding these connections is understanding how technical evolution relates to the choices made finally by the end-user. In other words, USB had to come first before you could harvest its massive 5 volts to keep your feet warm.