Digital Nation Blog: Warfare/ Technology

 

Throughout the documentary, Digital Nation explores how technology could possibly interfere with our ability to process information properly or disconnect us from our humanistic traits. One scene in the film that stood out to me was the military using drones in combat. The documentary shows a military base located in the United States that has military personnel controlling drones thousands of miles away via what closely resembles an old video game joystick. The drone is flying above a mixture of enemies and civilians. The ones who are controlling these drones do not have a reassurance of whom they might be killing or injuring. Users behind the drones are also not putting themselves at the same risk they are delivering as previous warfare has promised. These people who are being blown up by missiles cannot defend themselves as the controller is miles away. The film discusses how this could take away the possible "guilt" of war or risk involved. In my opinion it does take away from the overwhelming aspect of war even though no warfare is "good" warfare. I also think that in any situation of war it can be hard to tell the difference between enemies and civilians. I remember learning that Vietnamese soldiers would wear the hats of the civilians in order to disguise themselves and perform and ambush. I understand it is easier if you are physically there but when you get down to it, war isn't always about being careful, but getting what you need to get done for the benefit of your country. Another point of interest the film points out is that these users who are in no danger even get to go home at the end of the day and eat dinner with their family. Grounded soldiers or soldiers who have to physically control a vehicle do not have this luxury. The technology in my opinion isn't taking anything away from war or certain soldiers but is simply moving forward with technology as it should. For example, when we first began to use aircrafts in war it started a revolution in warfare. New advancements in warfare allow us to have an edge and although it seems unethical, it is very important to be more prepared and more deadly for warfare.

 

The documentary also examined the military's use and expensive purchase of the gaming technology at the recruitment center. This place allows teens to play games like Call of Duty in order to persuade them to join a military branch by appealing to their interests. This could be useful to the military as kids can experience a simulation of what their future might hold. Kids who are highly active in video games tend to be very skilled with technology in general. These technological skills that everyday teens posses are going to be crucial to military use in the future. The military understands that technology is advancing just as fast as the world is, if not faster and they want to be prepared. Parents in the film seemed to be outraged at the military's attempt, but recruitment is all about appealing to your recruits interests. When universities recruit athletes for example they show them the places on campus and in the city that appeal to young college athletes. They upgrade their facilities and some locker rooms contain gaming systems for the players' downtime. Technology appeals to the younger generation because ever since we can remember it has been apart of our lives. The military is doing what is only practical. Using these simulations of war is fun for teens and I think most teens today are able to tell the difference between virtual murder and actual murder. Perhaps the violence is giving ideas to someone who has already committed to the idea of murder, but the games cannot be held responsible for inspiration.

 

Technology has always found its way into our normal routines of society and it continues to do, even through the military. We must keep up with technological advances or we will fall behind and lose out on a possible improved society. The video makes a very good point of saying that when we went from the horse to the car people were nervous and critical. It is okay to feel that way but eventually society falls into the hands of technology and it becomes our best friend every time something new comes out.