Actor Network Theory

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Actor and Network: A Technological Response – Kris Brockelbank

As best illustrated by a Slack and Wise viewpoint, the concept of technology needs to be examined as more than a simple tool. Technology addresses the issue of agency. Some technology even has the ability to correspond and make calculations on its own. The authors suggest that a backache belongs to a technological function. Humans produce working results with this technology, but somehow through using the computer it also prolongs the chance of receiving back pains (Slack et al, 2007: 117). Here lies the dilemma in attempting to find a finite definition of technology. Moreover, finding a unified use is even more problematic.

With much happening in the world of technology and science, the question remains as to how humans diagnose technology for functional causes. Moreover, how do humans describe technology in a way that societal members can harness it or define it? According to (Slack et al, 2007: 117), the answer is provided in the concept of mediators. “A mediator is a person who steps between each of the parties involved and actively tries to get both sides to agree, or influence them in some way.” The thoughts raised in this quotation demonstrates that negotiation between machine and man requires some sort of action and a mutually-desired outcome. Scholars frame the view of this "mediator" as the party who fuses both human social networks and technology together.

The example of the award winning “Roomba” from a company titled Irobot, mirrors this argument. The Roomba is a modern robot that automatically vacuums floors and rugs. Previously, humans cleaned their environments all by themselves before this flattering technology availed itself. This highly versatile yet intelligent robot, knows when it needs to be recharged and how much dust or dirt it can pick up per sweep. Roomba, has the ability to proceed back to the charging station when its battery life is 'running on low'. Therefore, "Irobot" has some form of agency as it is able to control the environment and the cleaning process that it undertakes. However, human interaction is still required--but in a very low accord. Roombas could hit a heavy item and potentially be derailed from the cleaning process. Once one places the Roomba in the room and turns it on, the technology begins to revoke cleaning responses. The mediator can be identified through the addition of the Roomba in a home-setting. The common desired outcome between technology and man becomes the ability to keep the floor clean. Man through purchasing and placing the Roomba in his environment, seeks to reach this aforementioned favored plan. The roomba interacts with the environment and also influences the human as the machine is now doing the job which he/she previously undertook.

Academics like Slack and Wise, suggest that technology works through a mediation point, but defining this negotiation process is complex. French sociologists Michel Callon and Bruno Latour help humans understand the way in which mediation develops through the idea of actors. An actor is: any technological apparatus that bends space around itself, makes other elements dependent on itself, and translates other language into a will of its own (Slack et al, 2007: 118). Actors exist throughout the social world and as such, require certain attention.

The first part of the actor definition identifies that this process helps humans maneuver space. Slack and Wise use a simple example of the computer to represent the first part of an actor. Humans interact with computers and 'systematize' space through which websites they visit, which on-line-persona they conjure up and which posture they use (Slack et al, 2007: 118). The notion of space now identifies through not just physical measurements, but rather technological, cyber and on-line cultural aspects of space that allow users endless objectives. Roomba also mirrors the first component of an actor: it interrupts the living space that humans inhabit and furthermore adds value to the human environment.

The second part of the actor component reveals that technology makes others dependent on it. Therefore, technology is always a part of a larger spectrum; it is not solitary as it requires usage from other people, cultures and other actors (Slack et al, 2007: 118). The computer, as illustrated by offered by Slack et al, represents this part of the definition. People rely on computers to shop, communicate with one another and even design items. My website reflects many views and reaches out to the electronic community. People need to know about various media topics in the world. Without the computer, this website and communication method would cease to exist. The computer also needs human actors. Computers create many jobs in the field of technology and also require system maintenance (hardware engineers) and software engineers to cautiously update newer platform requirements. The relationship is reciprocal as both parties (actors,users,cultures) “mediate” the use of technology to achieve desired societal objectives.

Thirdly, technology transforms existing social language into its own linguistic appeal. Again, the computer will serve as a concrete example. I am an author who is presently writing my own robo-culture piece. My thoughts are orchestrated and are then transformed into a word document which is formatted by the computer. A certain font is selected and the code that the computer uses transforms my text and spaces it according to content-specific style and precision. Once my thoughts are uploaded, they will be transformed yet again by another code. Wikipedia has its own rules, format and schema. Furthermore, I am transforming my simple 'robo-culture' language unto a post-modern cultural text that is a part of a larger network (a body of knowledge such as the Wiki). The pattern continues to occur where the cultural text attempts to connect to the internet community.

An altering of form is required in order to meet the requirements of an actor. Mediators change the form of communication, so machines must be interrelated to their culture and social institutions. “In terms of actor-networks, to translate--means to bring it into alignment with technology, system or culture (Slack et al, 2007: 118-119). My robo-culture piece reveals my thoughts, but once formulated by the “Wiki”, they become something associated with a system and a communal, technological practice. Roomba becomes a system that cleans based on engineering principles. Culture is something that is so embedded that even technology cannot escape its sheer grip.Humans use this weak, lackadaisical culture as a means for not having to personally clean. Scholars need to study technology through the lens of systems, culture and other social situations in order to gain a thorough understanding.

The integral part of understanding technology coincides with the comprehension of a network. Slack and Wise formalize a basic understanding with their definition of network. A network summarizes the various relationships and processes that evolve between these actors and the given technology (Slack et al, 2007: 120-121). Slack et. al aruge that we understand these complex relations through metaphors. Networks are like “connections” that either add, delete, or alter the actor-network theory. The task of this theory is to discover how networks get created, maintained, altered and the substance behind these creations (Slack et al, 2007: 121). Networks develop through social awareness. Actors involve themselves in these processes and the result is a human mediating technology and vice versa. Through this mediation process, scholars can then peace together where the network evolution progresses.

The Roomba serves as an example of how the actor-network process orchestrates in society. Some humans may have difficulty comprehending that a robot is born for cleaning their floors. Certain infrastructure needs to be in place before such an alarming event to occur. Humans link the idea that machines are useful. They develop the concept that a machine may be used to clean their floors. Design experts need to develop prototypes and decide which parts are most cost affective. Parts developed for the robot are sold by a wide array of electronic outlets. Further testing and endless trials of the machine need to exist to ensure quality of the product. I have not even mentioned the idea of consumer showcasing, purchasing or instructions required to operate the technology. As one can view, technology commences with an dedicated vision, but by the time you include the various actors and connections required, it is no longer as simplistic as one first perceives.

All of these “connections” are worthy of study. The various actors involved and how connections work with one another affect the end product. The ultimately shape the use of the 'actor-network'. Roomba combines the actors of humans, censors, and robotics. Humans turn the machine on and place it where they want it to clean. Censors determine at which force it cleans and when it needs to head back to the 'docking' station. Robotics with complicated manufacturing, maneuver the Roomba and make sure it cleans with a certain speed and accuracy. Less explicit actors include archetypes, engineers, and sales folk. The idea of informal actors affirms the argument about technology stated earlier. Technology is more then just a tool, it is a sophisticated, abstract term in one sense that requires agency, human involvement, systems and culture. Roomba is potentially an interesting topic because it incorporates numerous connections in the actor-network theory. Consumption, discovery, and engineering are all relationships that are forged through this one product.

Culture defines technology and vice versa. Academics should conceptualize the cultural issues that have been raised with the invention of a cleaning robot. Who is buying these machines, who trusts these machines, what other types of cleaning robots or devices are next? The answer derives from the principle that technology is not passive, nor is it a simple tool. Technology activates various societal responses and users influence it and in turn, get seduced by its powerful functions. Relationships, attitudes and various responses are all connected through the application of technology. The Actor-network model helps humans discover what these connections mean to society and how we can best label technology as a function-based tool.


In summation, I have argued that too many people use technology in abstract ways. Slack et al demonstrate ways that the individuals can comprehend technology. Mediation exists and through this process, certain actors are introduced. Actors alter technology and vice Versa. Actors are also dependent on technology and vice versa. Technology transforms our 'every day' into a language we can comprehend. Technology also intertwines with system functionality: there needs to be a mutually desired goal for the application and development of it in the first place. Without the actor system, there would be chaos and no order to the technology. Lastly, technology corresponds with wider social properties such as, culture and industry. Academics need to consider these broader lenses because technology crosses into these disciplines and routinely affects them. The next time you hear the line “wow, a robot came out of nowhere and started to clean my kitchen,” think about how much more is involved then this just outlandish verbiage.

[edit] References

Slack, J., & Wise, J. (2007). Culture + Technology: a Primer. New York, NY: Peter Lang.

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