Robot vs. Human Care

Groopman, Jerome. "Robots That Care: Advances in Technological Therapy" The New Yorker. The New Yorker, November 2009. Web. Jan. 2010
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In his article, "Robots That Care: Advances in Technological Therapy", Jerome Groopman describes the developments that are being made by computer scientist Maja Mataric and her team in the area of socially interactive robots. Groopman promotes the benefits of using robots in the treatment of Alzheimer's, stroke and autistic patients. His arguments in favor of the robots include the fact that, since Medicare is limited, robots are practical. Each is a one-time investment and can be used over and over again with different patients. The studies he sites also show that patients are more likely to be motivated to do a task when encouraged by a robot as opposed to a computer screen. Groopman describes studies that show other benefits including the fact that people don't mind being directed by a robot as much as they do a person, robots can be programmed to have a certain temperament depending on the patient, robots behavior can be customized to change with the patient's mood, and robots allow for greater privacy for the patient. Autistic children respond well to robots because robots can consistently be repetitive without getting frustrated. The children can also direct the robots and in most children this gives them the rare feeling of control.

It is important to consider Groopman's point of view about the use of socially interactive robots with patients because the impact of that use on the lives of Alzheimer, stroke and autistic patients could be life-changing for many people. A six month long study showed dramatic results in the cognitive and physical abilities of the patients. While most of the article is spent explaining the promising possibilities of this use of robots, Groopman does challenge the audience to think by pointing out the risks of the use of socially interactive robots with vulnerable patients. He quotes Shay Turkle, a professor at MIT, who expresses concerns about the drawbacks. She says that the patients actually start to relate to and care for the robots and can begin to expect that care to be returned, distorting the concept of meaningful relationships. Also, some patients say they like the robots because they "can't trust real people." What if the patient starts to relate to the robot as a "grandchild" or companion and then has it taken away? Groopman points out that Maja Mataric, the computer scientist directing the research, is aware of the dangers and is working with those in mind. She acknowledges that this kind of therapy is a "great social experiment with real risks." Do the benefits outweigh the risks?

Are Americans In Denial?

Berry, Wendell. “Faustian Economics: Hell Hath No Limits.” Harper’s Magazine. The Harper's Magazine Foundation, May 2008. Web. 31 Dec. 2009.
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We as Americans have developed the idea that our way of life is “indestructible,” and that, whatever our problem is, science and technology will provide a solution. That is the observation of Wendell Berry, author of “Faustian Economics: Hell Hath No Limits”. He points out that, even though we are becoming aware that our access to fossil fuel could come to an end, we refuse to change our consuming behavior. Instead, we put our faith in science and technology to come up with an answer. Berry says that this way of thinking comes from the fact that Americans live in the fantasy of “presumed limitlessness”. That fantasy applies not only to possessions, but also to knowledge, science, technology and progress. In our selfish limitlessness, we have redefined freedom as ”escape from all restraint.” One negative result is that we have lost the concept of self imposed limits that define us as humans such as kindness, friendship, loyalty and love, and that contribute to the good of the community. He uses literary references about Satan and Faustus to make his point. Berry points out that the idea that we are limitless is a fantasy because we are limited to this one earth. He says that this constraint is a healthy thing.

The author’s point of view is important because the attitude of “limitlessness” could affect the future of the human race and our planet. Berry’s challenge to his audience is to look not just to science and technology for solutions, but also to our cultural heritage including religion. “Religion dismisses selfishness.” The Declaration of Independence wisely defines us as having a Creator who gives certain rights to all, thus preventing us from becoming “monstrous” in our treatment of each other. Berry also challenges his audience to look to the arts where works are confined to the limits of canvas, stage, time-constraints, etc. We should focus on “the art of living”, recognizing limits and making the most of what we have.

Texting and Its Effects

Whether we notice it or not, technology is rapidly changing our culture. Texting particularly has caught my attention because of the effect it has on people. While there are many positive aspects of texting such as the fact that it provides a convenient way for one to keep tabs on one's family members or friends, I think that there are also many downsides. In addition to the highly publicized statistic that texting while driving is the leading cause of traffic accidents, there are also other negative consequences. Teachers, brace yourselves, students often text in class. This means they are not paying attention to the lesson at hand and studies have shown that students who text in class are developing short attention spans. Texting is also changing the way we interact with one another. I personally know many teenagers who rely on texting for the majority of their communication. This practice is causing them to lose the skill of talking to someone face to face comfortably. When interacting with people in person, they lack confidence and often feel awkward. Texting is even replacing the original purpose of the phone; calling someone. Just calling someone has become foreign to many people. Talking on the phone is now viewed as something one does to show more affection or intimacy. Texting brings up many issues of the many ways technology is affecting our culture; and it is having a significant impact.

My four brothers and I have a constant debate with my parents about whether or not we should be allowed texting. My siblings and I are pro texting and my parents, unfortunately, are anti-texting. At first, my father’s main concern was financially having to pay sixty more dollars each month. He stressed that in this economy, any unnecessary spending should be cut. Now, in light of the recent news reports of all the traffic accidents being caused by drivers texting, his additional reason is that he is afraid we would text and drive. Even though we constantly promise we will not drive and text, my father is not being persuaded. I am interested in looking into the facts about texting in order to determine whether or not my father is right that the costs and risks of texting outweigh the benefits. This subject is also of interest to me because, even though I am an outsider to the texting world, the practice of texting is rampant among all of the people around me on a day-to-day basis. Communicating through text messages has become a way of life to them. It is interesting to see how this habit affects their social skills when they have to communicate face to face. It is concerning and a little aggravating to experience the awkwardness it can cause.