Faith and Technology
I
image sourced from www.foodequipment.com.au
Sabbath
During a temporary religious and spiritual moment, I attempted one day without technology, observing the guidelines of the Sabbath. For me, it seemed an easy task as I was staying in Jerusalem; a place where by law, Sabbath is observed and services such as public transport are limited. I tossed my iPhone for the 24 hours; one of the few times my phone has remained switched off. I also put away my laptop, iPad, hair straightener, hair dryer and my watch. I turned the light on in the bathroom on Friday just before the sun was expected to set so that if need be, I could open the door of the bathroom to allow some light into my bedroom without needing to turn a separate lamp on in my bedroom over night. It occurred to me immediately that I would not be avoiding technology during Sabbath. I would simply be avoiding the active use of technology, still engaging passively.
The routine of the city from a Friday night to a Saturday night accommodates for the abandonment of work and the active use of technology. Public transport does not run and all elevators run from floor to floor continuously without the need to manually press buttons. The traffic lights also operate automatically, sensing when a pedestrian needs to cross the road. It is commonplace for families to have Bain Maries in their home to keep food warm for the entire period, meaning that no one needs to turn it on or off at any point. The cooking is done beforehand so that there is no need to cook or clean while Sabbath is observed. This is a modern interpretation of giving work a rest. The viewpoint indicates that using technology is inherently considered work. This idea contradicts my personal understanding, as I have been brought up in an age where relaxation is so often centered around these ideas. My favourite ways to relax all involve technology, whether it be watching a film, scrolling on facebook, texting my friends or using my electronic foot massager. It makes me wonder where we as a society draw the line for what we consider to be work. Why is the use of technology considered to be part of this definition in Judaism? Does work have to be a chore? Why do we create ways to passively use technology at all costs? Can any of us in this technological era live without these things or are they simply part of our understanding of ourselves now?
Something that stood out to me during my time observing Sabbath is the concept of the Shabbas Goy; (politically incorrect term) a non-Jew who performs tasks during Sabbath that are against Jewish Law. Technically speaking, it is just as sinful to make someone else complete a forbidden task on your behalf, but it is widely understood as a loophole and is therefore commonplace. Passiveness is so tightly ingrained in our contemporary experience, and is seen in both our relationships with people and with technology.
The Golem
The film The Golem: How he came into the world is based on the Jewish folklore tale of a constructed slave creature, and can be likened to contemporary issues surrounding agency, decision-making and passive action. Although the film was made nearly one hundred years ago, the themes explored are arguably more relevant today than ever before. The manmade slave that eventually gains consciousness and rebels against its creator can be directly linked to the contemporary warning against the development of AI technology and our dependence on computers. The film proves mankind’s longstanding obsession with creating life from inanimate objects, and for deflecting responsibility outwards. Terminator-like films are omnipresent in contemporary pop culture, and are often associated with the fear for the future of AI whereby humans are overruled. The film tackles ideas of power and dictatorship, and may be a warning against the human tendency to seek dominance.
The relationship between humans and the Golem shifts dramatically as power suddenly changes hands and the Golem gains control. At the beginning of the film, the power dynamic is clear; Loew is the authority-figure and the Golem is the slave. However as time goes on, this simple relationship shifts as the Golem realises that it can stay alive if it protects the heart token by fighting off humans. The Golem gains consciousness and self-awareness, and turns on the humans as an expression of strength. The image of the Golem can be likened to the contemporary fear of AI. The Golem is tall, intimidating and has a constantly stern facial expression. The townspeople are fearful when they are first presented with this alien creature, due to its threatening appearance. This intimidation and lack of understanding of difference is not dissimilar to the scepticisms around AI. This comparison between robot and monster has been explored thoroughly in film and literature and has fuelled a fear of AI rebellion in a time of human control. This idea of rebellion against extreme dominance is timeless in the history of human culture. Social revolutions have often been the direct result of fascist societies in history, and the Golem may be a symbol of both oppressed individuals as well as larger groups, and may be read as a warning against dominance over robots, as well as people.
In the film, the concept of having a non-human slave to carry out mundane daily tasks and follow orders is a far-fetched utopian idea. Today this idea is completely feasible because of the creation of robots, and may seem extremely appealing. Task-related robots such as household cleaning robots or robots used in factories respond directly to the contemporary obsession with productivity. We are always striving to produce things faster and more efficiently because it somehow symbolises success. Humans have constantly created mechanisms to make life “easier”, but with every revolutionary advancement in technology, we have created yet another task to occupy our time. Whether it be a factory production line or a household computer, these machines have never led to an overwhelming laziness in the human species. Maybe having a Golem-like robot in every household will become the norm and will alleviate some daily pressure, or maybe it will simply give us more time to create new tasks for ourselves. Having a robot to do our supermarket shopping for us might seem like a life-changing blessing, but will we just create more things that need to be done in that time? Will we keep on creating problems to solve as technology advances? Are we not truly comfortable with the idea of clicking our fingers and suddenly becoming redundant or passive. Perhaps the consistent drive for creation and innovation is inevitable and a fear of unproductiveness a defining feature of the human condition.
image sourced from www.foodequipment.com.au
Sabbath
During a temporary religious and spiritual moment, I attempted one day without technology, observing the guidelines of the Sabbath. For me, it seemed an easy task as I was staying in Jerusalem; a place where by law, Sabbath is observed and services such as public transport are limited. I tossed my iPhone for the 24 hours; one of the few times my phone has remained switched off. I also put away my laptop, iPad, hair straightener, hair dryer and my watch. I turned the light on in the bathroom on Friday just before the sun was expected to set so that if need be, I could open the door of the bathroom to allow some light into my bedroom without needing to turn a separate lamp on in my bedroom over night. It occurred to me immediately that I would not be avoiding technology during Sabbath. I would simply be avoiding the active use of technology, still engaging passively.
The routine of the city from a Friday night to a Saturday night accommodates for the abandonment of work and the active use of technology. Public transport does not run and all elevators run from floor to floor continuously without the need to manually press buttons. The traffic lights also operate automatically, sensing when a pedestrian needs to cross the road. It is commonplace for families to have Bain Maries in their home to keep food warm for the entire period, meaning that no one needs to turn it on or off at any point. The cooking is done beforehand so that there is no need to cook or clean while Sabbath is observed. This is a modern interpretation of giving work a rest. The viewpoint indicates that using technology is inherently considered work. This idea contradicts my personal understanding, as I have been brought up in an age where relaxation is so often centered around these ideas. My favourite ways to relax all involve technology, whether it be watching a film, scrolling on facebook, texting my friends or using my electronic foot massager. It makes me wonder where we as a society draw the line for what we consider to be work. Why is the use of technology considered to be part of this definition in Judaism? Does work have to be a chore? Why do we create ways to passively use technology at all costs? Can any of us in this technological era live without these things or are they simply part of our understanding of ourselves now?
Something that stood out to me during my time observing Sabbath is the concept of the Shabbas Goy; (politically incorrect term) a non-Jew who performs tasks during Sabbath that are against Jewish Law. Technically speaking, it is just as sinful to make someone else complete a forbidden task on your behalf, but it is widely understood as a loophole and is therefore commonplace. Passiveness is so tightly ingrained in our contemporary experience, and is seen in both our relationships with people and with technology.
The Golem
The film The Golem: How he came into the world is based on the Jewish folklore tale of a constructed slave creature, and can be likened to contemporary issues surrounding agency, decision-making and passive action. Although the film was made nearly one hundred years ago, the themes explored are arguably more relevant today than ever before. The manmade slave that eventually gains consciousness and rebels against its creator can be directly linked to the contemporary warning against the development of AI technology and our dependence on computers. The film proves mankind’s longstanding obsession with creating life from inanimate objects, and for deflecting responsibility outwards. Terminator-like films are omnipresent in contemporary pop culture, and are often associated with the fear for the future of AI whereby humans are overruled. The film tackles ideas of power and dictatorship, and may be a warning against the human tendency to seek dominance.
The relationship between humans and the Golem shifts dramatically as power suddenly changes hands and the Golem gains control. At the beginning of the film, the power dynamic is clear; Loew is the authority-figure and the Golem is the slave. However as time goes on, this simple relationship shifts as the Golem realises that it can stay alive if it protects the heart token by fighting off humans. The Golem gains consciousness and self-awareness, and turns on the humans as an expression of strength. The image of the Golem can be likened to the contemporary fear of AI. The Golem is tall, intimidating and has a constantly stern facial expression. The townspeople are fearful when they are first presented with this alien creature, due to its threatening appearance. This intimidation and lack of understanding of difference is not dissimilar to the scepticisms around AI. This comparison between robot and monster has been explored thoroughly in film and literature and has fuelled a fear of AI rebellion in a time of human control. This idea of rebellion against extreme dominance is timeless in the history of human culture. Social revolutions have often been the direct result of fascist societies in history, and the Golem may be a symbol of both oppressed individuals as well as larger groups, and may be read as a warning against dominance over robots, as well as people.
In the film, the concept of having a non-human slave to carry out mundane daily tasks and follow orders is a far-fetched utopian idea. Today this idea is completely feasible because of the creation of robots, and may seem extremely appealing. Task-related robots such as household cleaning robots or robots used in factories respond directly to the contemporary obsession with productivity. We are always striving to produce things faster and more efficiently because it somehow symbolises success. Humans have constantly created mechanisms to make life “easier”, but with every revolutionary advancement in technology, we have created yet another task to occupy our time. Whether it be a factory production line or a household computer, these machines have never led to an overwhelming laziness in the human species. Maybe having a Golem-like robot in every household will become the norm and will alleviate some daily pressure, or maybe it will simply give us more time to create new tasks for ourselves. Having a robot to do our supermarket shopping for us might seem like a life-changing blessing, but will we just create more things that need to be done in that time? Will we keep on creating problems to solve as technology advances? Are we not truly comfortable with the idea of clicking our fingers and suddenly becoming redundant or passive. Perhaps the consistent drive for creation and innovation is inevitable and a fear of unproductiveness a defining feature of the human condition.
Image sourced from www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org
Creating the Golem through the use of a magic spell is not dissimilar to our contemporary relationship with modern technology. The majority of us cannot fathom how many of our everyday devices really work. The thought that a palm-sized object can allow us to speak to someone on the other side of the world instantaneously is mind-boggling and yet this is only the beginning of the true technological era. We can summon technology with the slightest movement of a finger or the uttering of a word. In a way it allows us to cast a spell. Arthur C Clarke’s third law states that “any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.” This idea of being removed from a technological process due to a lack of understanding requires large amounts of trust. The amount of faith we have in technology seems almost religious. We may not fully understand it, and yet our entire contemporary existence depends on it. Every new invention does come with public fear and skepticism but it is indisputable that technological advancements are so tightly woven into contemporary life that they are almost completely unavoidable. We are forced to have complete faith, and be completely dependent.
The constant push and pull between trust and distrust in technology is a theme that is discussed heavily in sci-fi literature, but The Golem may be a warning against placing trust in humans. When the jealous Loew orders the Golem to get rid of Florian after he is found in bed with his partner, it is clear that this moment of anger is far more powerful with the aid of a servant. Loew may not have been capable of killing Florian himself, but the Golem throws Florian from the top of a building effortlessly and without hesitation. The idea of removing oneself from the completion of an action is both a blessing and a curse for humanity. The idea of a robot alleviating the stress of dangerous jobs such as military work may be somewhat comforting, but completing a task without human empathy has the potential to be dangerous. If we all have robots that follow our every order, society may become open to a multitude of passive destruction. In this case, the Golem is the Shabbas Goy, and is perceived to take responsibility. Although this may feel like a removed process, the action still takes place and the consequences are more drastic than otherwise possible. If humans obtain the ability to commit crime without the possibility of persecution, violence and social uproar become inevitable. The Golem explores the importance of empathy and may be a warning against removing oneself from actions through the aid of technology.
The film comments on many social issues surrounding power, trust and control, and reminds the viewer of the dangers of passiveness. There is a widespread social fear around the possibility of an AI rebellion, but The Golem reminds us that the real danger lies in the hands of humans. We are the creators of exceptional machines and the amount of power that we hold is unfathomable. The future of AI will infiltrate every corner of our lives, and blur the line between human and robot and therefore we must ask ourselves what the limits of humanity really are.
Laundroid
Passiveness has become more and more of a defining feature of our everyday lives, to the point where even the most simple and mundane human tasks have become automated. There are already many pieces of automated technology that lie between humans and everyday tasks, and this relationship will only become more seamless in time. Automation will be woven into every aspect of life, to the point where it becomes unnoticeable. Although current technology is often slightly clumsy, it gives us an insight into the possibilities of the future. The Laundroid; developed by Panasonic and Daiwa House is an artificial intelligence-powered laundry folding machine. It is advertised as being a “new way to liberate your loved one” and aims to substantially cut down time spent on household chores. At $16,000 it is currently a luxury product that few can afford, but is this piece of technology an insight into the future of automation?
Image sourced from https://laundroid.sevendreamers.com/en/
Similar to a wardrobe in appearance, the Laundroid not only folds clothes, but also separates into different sections according to family member. The machine uses multiple robotic arms to pick up the clothes, before proceeding to scan, fold and separate. Each item of clothing is analysed to relay information regarding the type, size and colour to the robot arms before sorting and folding in the most appropriate way. The robot picks up the clothing item, spreads the item out fully, recognises the specific type of clothing, before folding and stacking on a shelf. It is connected to a server that uses artificial intelligence to analyse the object and a neutral network containing 256,000 images of different clothing items. Specific parameters allow the robotic arms to determine the best way to fold and store each item, according to its fabrication and shape. A companion app keeps track of every piece of clothing analysed by the Laundroid and let users categorise clothes by household member or item. This wardrobe organiser sorts the clothes into different shelves for each member of the family, making it easy to navigate. The dedicated app manages the data and images, and suggests clothing coordinations and outfits. What does the removal of consciousness from decision-making such as outfit choices mean for our definition as humans? Does automation mean that our identity will be stripped away or will we be adaptable to this change? Technology has the potential to both give us agency but can also jeopardise our need to choose.
Although the process of the Laundroid seems extremely user-friendly, one t-shirt takes up to ten minutes to fold, and at $16,000 this piece of technology is out of reach for the general population.
Despite being currently inaccessible for the majority, the idea of simple and mundane daily tasks being taken over by automated robots may be an indication of our near future. Folding a t-shirt by hand may only take 10 seconds as opposed to 10 minutes with the Laundroid, but like any new piece of technology the first iterations are often slightly clumsy. The first mobile phones were nothing like the smartphones we have today, but were an essential first step in a huge technological move. Developing an extremely complex and expensive robot for a simple chore may seem silly, but we may experience nearly total automation in our households of the future. We may be free of any housework, including cooking and cleaning, and this would drastically shift our lifestyles. The Laundroid is advertised as a “new relationship between people and clothing”, and is only the beginning of a new wave of automation. Will our consistent outsourcing of even the most basic tasks remove us from our experience as humans?
Amazon Anticipatory Shopping
Shopping is something that has shifted dramatically with the development of technology, and as we utilise online retailers more and more, we raise the standard of efficiency for our demands being fulfilled. The idea of going out to buy something becomes much less significant or even justifiable. It has become a reality for us as users of the internet to relinquish our data in order to access online material and resources. Ticking the box “agree to terms and conditions” or “accept cookies” is commonplace in our online age. It is customary for corporations to use predictive analytics to tell us what we will want next. This technique to record what we have looked at and pondered makes complete sense as a model for advertising and is extremely effective. When you google a product, advertising on Facebook will reflect your search immediately afterwards. Our internet experience is highly responsive and personalized, and advertising removes even the need to make basic shopping decisions.
Amazon; one of the biggest online retailers has developed and patented a way of taking predictive analytics one step further. Its algorithm is able to predict what we will want in the future and sends it before we even place an order. The response to our browsing history is autonomous as it is customised specifically to the user. The dispatch of the product is independent of the authorisation of the customer. This technology uses our data to decide upon the demands of different geographic areas. From here the product will be shipped towards those areas and will either stay on the trucks or in some form of shipping depot until required. The item is then shipped to individual’s addresses where the customer can then decide whether to keep or return the item. This model of consumerism has the potential to completely change our urban environment. The potential of an influx of packages would require new infrastructure to accommodate the abundance of returned goods. Perhaps a variety of return depots will begin to appear. The general concept of a mail box may completely change to accommodate for not only collecting mail and packages, but for returning our unwanted packages.
As these developing technologies that use predictive analytics become more prominent we may start to become even more complacent and passive. The use of predictive analytics on this level will change our relationship with the internet, and ultimately our relationship with ourselves. This technology has the capacity to be extremely convenient if successful, however we cannot deny that it promotes excessive consumerism and the deterioration of decision-making skills. If something arrives without our explicit consent, we may struggle to decipher between what we do and don’t need. What does it do to the human psyche to be removed from these sorts of decisions? The extreme ease of receiving goods currently has caused us to under-value material objects. This next development for supply chain will once again change our attitude towards our things and perhaps the period of time we keep them. On the other hand, we may see a strong movement against the on demand economy. It is clear already that many people feel very strongly about smaller businesses that offer a more humble service. The reaction to this technology will be varied, however it is undeniable that even the idea of anticipatory shipping without implementation changes the way we think about shopping, decisions, possession and control. It is yet another action that we as humans can outsource and deflect.
Sabbath
The conclusion of my Sabbath experience ended with a women’s only drumming party. We danced in someone’s living room until the sun set. We basked in the bliss of a phone-free and completely connected experience. As soon as the sun went down however, one woman pulled out her mobile phone, turned it back on and began filming us all dancing to the drums. This immediate reflex and pull to technology made me wonder what it is that makes us so dependent. I realized that maybe it was important to avoid technology in the first place and to make time to reflect on our dependence and addiction. Is 24 that the limit of time in this day and age that we can fake a life with no technology?
When I finally got back to my room, I lingered a while and watched my friends switching their phones back on. I left it a while, but then eventually made my way back to the magnetic source of security and comfort. When I turned my phone back on, there were 10 texts from my mother, worried that I had not contacted her or appeared to have any online presence. I had forgotten to tell my family back home that I would be observing the Sabbath and would not be checking my phone at all. Even my sister had left a comment on a previous instagram photo saying “mum’s “on shpilkes” (freaking out) can u msg her pls.”
Image sourced from @luxinfeld, www.instagram.com/luxinfeld/
24 hours may not seem like a significant amount of time, but it was long enough for my family to assume that I was in danger and for me to become anxious about my isolation. It makes me wonder about the future, and how much of our identity and sense of security is shaped by our relationship with technology. Even in times of religious ritual, we find a way to make excuses to use the things that we rely so heavily on. We justify passive usage and lie to ourselves about our agency. We are obsessed with the idea of technology as our slave, but perhaps the relationship between humans and technology is more complicated than we know.
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