Ledger 3

(Reader, be fully warned, this ledger is even farther distanced from regular academia than normal. So if you're not into it, don't read on. It's been a less than great day and at this point, I'm professional in so many aspects of my life, I'd like to take a brief break) 

When my classes overlap in concepts or certain themes, I use those opportunities to solidify the information. In my technical/professional communication practicum (instructs on how to teach service courses) and a digital humanities course, the "dark" side of technology was discussed. 

I'm sure you're aware of the usual schpeal, it's great, but the digital isn't a utopia, it comes with its checks and balances. I've been thinking about how to fix that (in an ideal situation of course, nothing could effectively "bandaid" the messy rhetorical situation worm can that digital integration is). 

I come back to the idea of "transparency" often.  I wonder, with all these windows looking in, all these platforms seeking, collecting and archiving, why we haven't moved towards a more transparent culture. 

We cling to privacy to such an extent that anytime a technology threatens it, it's a breach of conduct and a reason to identify the technology as an evil potential. It has a "dark side" like Star Wars. 

I wonder how beneficial a contract of transparency would be. Everyone shits, everyone has sex, everyone has a lick (or more) of depression or a tilt in neurotypical functions, so why do we gravitate towards such effective facades? 

I can't answer that question effectively. I can't even explore what I'm trying to get at effectively. But hopefully soon!