Synopsis and responses of Wise Chapter 1: Digitisation and war

Technologies and multimedia programs make human lives more powerful, convenient and easier. However, do users of technologies realize its history and development?

Chapter 1 talks about the origins of multimedia technologies by relating it to wars. Unfortunately, it seems that these “easy-makers” are the products of the cruel and cold war. In wartime, technologies are highly required as to create powerful weapons and provide accurate information and calculations to armies. Nuclear weapons and atomic bombs are some of the examples. In other words, new technologies are developed and used as to put the army in advantage and succeed during wartime.

In my opinion, this is very ironic. Nowadays, people seek for peace and suggest no wars; however, we are using and relying on the products developed for wars seriously. We are utilizing outcomes of the cruel process to make our lives more enjoyable.

On the other hand, this chapter also reminds me the origin of video games. Video games are practices which are originally designed to train soldiers to kill enemies during wars; but now, video games have already become one of the best entertainments in our society.
This shows to me that, in some sense, without wars, people will not be able to enjoy such entertaining and easy lives now. It is really ironic!