Psychoanalysis

Psychoanalysis is the study of human behavior, experiences and cognition and how humans are influenced by the unconscious thought (Psychoanalysis, n.d.).

This theory, initially developed by Freud, has been used to explain relationships between people, objects and now pieces of technology.  To delve deeper into Freud and  psychoanalysis, please watch the video below.

 

Interactions with Computers

Turkle believes psychoanalysis can be used to explain the relationship between humans and technology.  Turkle’s article clearly identifies technology as not neutral, and not a mere tool, rather it is something that causes us to “see ourselves and our world differently” (Turkle, 2004, p. 18).  Turkle recognized four ways people interact with computers: one-on-one, to connect with people, through virtual reality and as a relational artifact.

Psychoanalysis has shown the interaction between people and computers occurs because of human desire to alter or enhance identity, the promise of perfection (in self and others), to fulfill a fantasy or to gain companionship.  The Furby video on the right is an example of a relational object in 2012.  Relational positive outcomes were found in Turkle’s because technology users believed the computer was an “extension of self,” provided a forum for identity expression and development, and was a tool for self-reflection (Turkle, 2004). At the time of Turkle’s 2004 article, she seemed to be filled with more questions than answers.

Even though Turkle’s research indicated positive outcomes via technology, she still questioned the long-term societal and individual impact human-technology relationships would have. Relational positive outcomes were found in Turkle’s research because technology users believed the computer was an “extension of self,” provided a forum for identity expression and development, and was a tool for self-reflection (Turkle, 2004).   At the time of Turkle’s 2004 article, she seemed to be filled with more questions than answers.  Even though Turkle’s research indicated positive outcomes via technology, she still questioned the long-term societal and individual impact human-technology relationships would have.

Implications for Education

Psychoanalysis provides a lens to examine how students learn and build relationships with others, objects and information. Connectionism is an Artificial Intelligence learning theory, which views the mind as influenced by “interactions [with] agents” outside of the body (Turkle, 2004, p. 17).  This connectionist concept is similar to psychoanalytic object-relations theory.  Today, psychoanalysis helps us understand the relational impact technology has on students.  By using technology as an extension of their mind, what are our students missing out on?  What is lost in our classroom if face-to-face collaboration and interaction is no longer present? Will there be lasting implications for our students and our society if learning emphasis is solely place on digital collaboration?

Psychonalysis and Technology in the Present

Eight years after Whither Psychoanalysis in Computer Culture was published, Turkle did a 2012 Ted Talk discussing her new book Alone Together. Turkle’s opinions on the impact technology is having on humans have changed.  Her perspective has become more pessimistic and she has found answers to many of her earlier questions.  Turkle believes technology is changing who we are, and not always positively.  People are losing the skills to build relationships with others and have a real conversation.  Initially, Turkle was excited about the prospect of the internet to provide a space to develop an Identity, however people have become so used to perfection on-line that they are unable to interact face-to-face.  Turkle is worried media users will be more willing to interact online with people or solely communicate with a piece of digital technology.  For example: Apple’s Siri or Chatbot Eliza.  Does it matter the majority of media users are more comfortable having online interactions, than face-to-face interactions?

Goldilocks Effect

Turkle’s current concern is ensuring media users find a balance between not too much, not too little, but just the right amount of interaction with technology.  Turkle’s main concerns are: a lack of companionship, fear of intimacy, and desire for perfection.  Relationships with computers have altered the way society functions.  Individual and collective identities are changing and Turkle believes society needs to identify the personal and social costs of technology.  Turkle highlights the need to limit technology use and to not let it define us as so many have: “I share therefore I am.”

Discussion Questions:

1.  How can educators decipher the “just right” amount of technology in their classroom? Does and will educational technology impact the social relational behaviour of our students?

2.  Ten years from now, what will Sherry Turkle’s research tell us about the relationships between technology and individuals and its impact on society?

References

Evans, R. (2009). Goldilocks and the bear economy [Image file]. The Telegraph. Retreived from http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/investing/gold/5237330/Goldilocks-and-the-bear-case-for-gold.html

itutor. (2011).  Freud and the psychoanalysis [Video file].  Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RR2Y-PSLiIw&feature=plcp

Psychoanlysis. (n.d.). In Wikipedia.  Retrieved October 10, 2012, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychoanalysis

TEDtalksDirector. (2012).  Sherry Turkle: Connected, but alone [Video File]?  Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7Xr3AsBEK4

Turkle, S. (2004).  Whither psychoanalysis in computer culture?  Psychoanalytical Psychology, 21(1), 16-30. doi: 10.1037/0736-9735.21.1.16

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