Artifact 7: Art, Games, and Tech Discussion
Learning Unit Objectives
- Learn about the history of computer graphics
- Examine the role of technology as force for cultural maintenance and change
- Discuss the validity of art created with the aid of machines
Original Post
Jane McGonigal delivered a great speech about online games. She thinks, “gamers are a human resource that we can use to do real-world work, that games are a powerful platform for change” (McGonigal, TED). But I am still not convinced. Based on her idea, people can resolve the issues and problems in reality by playing games. She believed that humans could construct good skills by the cooperation and teamwork experience in games. Perhaps it is true for someone. However, we cannot the side effects brought by the games. Right now most popular games consist of some extremely sexual and violent contents. Admittedly, the games develop some skills people need, but it also is very easy for people to transfer the attitude from the game. At often times, the games are along with anger, rage if people lose. This inevitably causes some attitude issues when they come back in real life. It may be true, in some sense, that games construct many skills needed in real life. It has a lot more danger at the same time. In addition, I am also concerned about her point that it makes people relaxed in virtual world and people enjoy the joy delivered in the game. Sometimes, the difference between real life and the virtual one can damage people in many aspects. Thus, I don’t agree with her at all.
Reflection
The gaming is a controversial topic. In my mind, I think the damage brought up by the gaming is much more than the merits. This is put in a social context. Many kids are not able to cope gaming very well due to its unchangeable characteristics. But I was able to get to know more beyond that. The computer graphics employed in the gaming and other industry create a lot of beautiful art pieces. This just helped me understand the role of technology as force for cultural maintenance and change. The validity of art created with the aid of machines has been improved with the help of technology. Just like what Jones said, “These changes are not simply technical effects. They contribute to maintenance and change of culturally conditioned conceptual patterns in the larger historical context” (Jones, 51).
In an article on BBC News website, Eyal Gever wrote, “Throughout history, technology has provided artists with new tools for expression” (Gever, 2012). He thinks that the technology can show the traces of different artistry. The technology changes our cultural life. They are interlinked more and more in contemporary society. As he stated, “All over the world, people are engineering our future. The Internet, digital fabrication, nanotech, biotech, self-modification, augmented reality, virtual reality, “the singularity” – you name it, all of this is altering our lives and our view of the world and ourselves” (Gever, 2012).
Future Intention
My ultimate career goal is to open a IT company. I hope at that day I can use computer graphics well to create more diverse and unique arts. There is no doubt that a couple years later there will be more technology breakthrough. Maybe then many other artistic graphic techniques would come out. Hopefully, I will get a chance to get hold of them and control them and make it my good tool of my product expression.
Bibliography
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