Sherry Turkle

Definition

Sherry Turkle is a prominent sociologist and psychologist known for her work on the relationship between people and technology, particularly how digital communication affects human interaction. Her insights highlight the ethical and societal implications of technology, making her perspectives particularly relevant to discussions about exascale computing and its potential impacts on society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sherry Turkle argues that technology changes how we communicate, often leading to a decrease in face-to-face interactions and genuine connections.
2. In her book 'Alone Together', she examines how people feel more connected through devices while simultaneously feeling isolated from real human relationships.
3. Turkle emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and understanding our emotional responses to technology, suggesting it can shape our identities.
4. Her work raises ethical questions about privacy, identity, and the implications of artificial intelligence in our lives.
5. Turkle encourages a balance between technology use and maintaining human connections to foster healthier relationships and communities.

Review Questions

• How does Sherry Turkle's work relate to the way technology impacts human relationships?
  • Sherry Turkle's work emphasizes that technology, while connecting us in new ways, often diminishes the quality of our human relationships. She highlights that digital communication can lead to superficial interactions, reducing empathy and meaningful connections. Her research suggests that as we become more reliant on technology for communication, we may inadvertently isolate ourselves from genuine social experiences.
• What ethical considerations does Sherry Turkle raise regarding the integration of technology into everyday life?
  • Sherry Turkle raises several ethical considerations concerning technology's integration into our lives. She points out issues like privacy concerns, the authenticity of online personas, and how artificial intelligence might influence our understanding of intimacy and relationships. Her analysis encourages us to think critically about the implications of living in a digital age where our interactions are mediated by devices.
• Evaluate the impact of Sherry Turkle's findings on future developments in exascale computing and societal norms.
  • Sherry Turkle's findings can significantly impact future developments in exascale computing by highlighting the need for ethical guidelines that consider human interaction in technological advancements. As exascale computing enables more complex simulations and data analysis, there is a risk that it may further alienate users if not designed with empathy and connection in mind. Her work advocates for a future where technological development prioritizes enhancing human relationships rather than replacing them, urging developers to consider how their innovations affect social dynamics.

Related terms

Digital Communication: The exchange of information using digital technologies, which can alter traditional forms of interpersonal communication.

Empathy: The ability to understand and share the feelings of others, often challenged in digital interactions according to Turkle's findings.

Technological Dependence: A reliance on technology that can affect personal relationships and mental health, as explored in Turkle's research.