Well, I have been telling myself that this is something I need to write. I don't usually care for New Year's Resolutions, but this time I feel encouraged. I want to write more in the next year, and more than that I want to share more of my ideas with the world. I think one big realization that I had this year was that my creative passions and aspirations had become just memories of my past. I got into a habit of looking back on old posts and stories and poems and songs and only viewing them from the critically privileged lens of my present self and that level of self-realization detached me from the creative mediums that I used to enjoy. I stopped wanting to share things with the world because I didn't think that I was capable of creating anything new or substantive. On many levels, I still feel that way. Even as I type these words nows.
My world is so saturated with data, content, media, information. I think I got to a point where I felt like every idea I had was already out there in the world. Every story, song, or philosophical quandary I could come up with was somewhere online available to stream, scroll-through or download. I got tired of coming up with an idea, finding it already existed, and then trying to put my own "spin" on it. So I kind of just gave up. And it wasn't some abrupt, grandiose thing. It just sort of gradually happened. In fact, the only reason why I'm able to realize it now is because I've just been clicking through folders and files of all of the unfinished and unrealized projects and ideas that I've given up on throughout this year.
I want to change that in 2024, but first I want to explain why I've had this epiphani-esque change of heart and what I've learned over this past year. [author's note I had no intention of this becoming as long as it is, but after I started to really reflect on my year I realized that there's a lot that I want to share, so I hope you enjoy it all!]
Now, when I talk about feeling less than inspired creatively this year, I don't want to understate the significance of how much I've been inspired to learn about the world. I love audiobooks and podcasts. I ended my Audible subscription when I discovered the apps, Libby and Hoopla and I have been getting a lot of use out my library card, checking out so many books, e-books and audiobooks this year. I have also been fortunate to have received many new books over the year, whether through gifts or shopping sprees with B. And when it comes to streaming content, I have three separate Youtube channels with one dedicated to video gaming-related content, one following the various Youtube channels that B and I watch together when we aren't streaming a show on Apple TV+ or Disney Plus (jumping back in here to give a special shoutout to "Paging Mr. Morrow", a Youtube channel dedicated to wholesome Disney related content, Nate you got us through a lot this year!), or my main channel; focused on technology, sociology, and philosophy related videos. I have similar set-ups on social media apps but I no longer use the app formerly known as Twitter. I mainly find myself doomscrolling through one of the Big 3 Meta apps or on LinkedIn, which has surprisingly become one of my favorite apps for finding great short-form content. All this is just to say, I have willingly consumed a lot of information, media, content, and data over this past year. And therein lies my dilemma. How can I create content when I am constantly consuming it? And why try to develop my dreams if they're just going to drown in the deep? (I still love alliteration) I don't have the answers to these questions, but if you stay with me on this... I just might have gained some valuable insights that I think you'll understand once we've reached the end. As was always the case in compulsory, standardized public education systems, we must show our work and avoid peaking at the back of the book.
While I do plan on bringing up and recommending several books throughout this post, I want to also give a shout out to the "Philosophize This!" podcast by Stephen West. I didn't start listening to the show this year, I think it's been a few years now. But I have listened to every episode and there are a bunch of episodes that I've probably listened to a dozen times in this year alone. The topics he discusses on the show are impactful and relevant and the respect he has for these thinkers and their ideas is incredibly impressive. I love being introduced into a new philosopher's work through the show and having the circumstantial details to understand the world that these thinkers were living in and writing about. I love this show and if you're looking for a good podcast in 2024, I recommend this one for sure.
Here is a list of all of the other podcasts I have listened to or watched throughout the year in no real particular order:
Making Sense with Sam Harris: Sam Harris explores critical and controversial questions about the human mind, society, and current events in this thought-provoking podcast.
The AI Breakdown: This podcast delves into the complexities and advancements of artificial intelligence, breaking down its impact on various industries and daily life.
9to5Mac Daily & Happy Hour: These podcasts provide daily and weekly updates on the latest news, reviews, and how-tos in the world of Apple and its products.
Waveform: The MKBHD Podcast: Hosted by popular tech YouTuber Marques Brownlee, this podcast covers the latest in consumer electronics and technology trends.
The Diary of a CEO: Offering insights into the life and mind of a CEO, this podcast discusses leadership, entrepreneurship, and personal development.
Impact Theory with Tom Bilyeu: Tom Bilyeu interviews thought leaders and influential figures to uncover the secrets of success and human potential.
Slow Mo: A Podcast with Mo Gawdat: Mo Gawdat discusses the deeper aspects of life, focusing on happiness, purpose, and mindfulness.
Unconfuse Me with Bill Gates: Bill Gates offers his perspective on solving some of the world's most complex problems, from health to education to climate change.
The Internet of Things Podcast: This podcast keeps listeners updated on the latest trends, news, and developments in the Internet of Things (IoT) industry.
The Lex Fridman Podcast: Lex Fridman conducts deep and engaging conversations with guests from various fields, exploring topics related to artificial intelligence, technology, philosophy, and more.
There are probably more that I tried, but these are all shows that I have at least listened to multiple episodes of. As indicative of my description of my main Youtube channel, most of the context of the content I consumed this year falls into three categories: technology, philosophy, and sociology.
(Let's start with technology.) If you don't know, I work as a technology department manager in the KSU Bookstore. If you ask me what I do I typically respond, "I help Kent State students, staff and faculty make educated and informed decisions when purchasing new technology." or "I sell Macbooks and MacBook accessories." There are a lot of things about the job that I like or dislike but what is undeniable, is that it has sparked a level of curiosity in me that I have not recognized for a while. I actually, actively, adore learning about technology. Both hardware and software applications, historical contexts, potential breakthroughs, it has all captivated me. It really started with just trying to be able to connect with customers on a better level. When I started the job I had an android phone and didn't really care for Apple products and it made it hard to learn them. Since then, a lot has changed and I could tell you a lot about Apple. And not just the products, but the company, their stated values and legal troubles, my favorite Apple designers or developers, the subtle feature differences between the iPads and the iPad Air or iPad Pro. It's fascinating to understand how the ecosystem functions now that I'm a part of it, but I had to demystify my perception of Apple as a corporate entity and come to understand the real work being done by the individual people employed at and empowered by Apple. I have a respect for their commitment to user experience and the work they've done as a company to improve supply chain regulations and increase environmental awareness while also moving towards more sustainable practices. I know a lot about their devices and plenty of other popular brands of consumer electronics.
One thing about my job that I learned over this past year, is that I'm kind of expected to be an expert on all things tech. On one level, it makes sense. I'm the tech guy at a college bookstore, I need to know my stuff. But in practice, most people ignore 80% of whatever I say to them, they listen for one thing that relates to their perceived value of the device, maybe I mention the battery, or the screen size, or the volume of the speaker array, and that's all they need to confirm the purchase. Or they'll come in to the store and tell me "I don't know anything about this tech stuff" and expect me to sell them whatever I think is best. I really began seeking out information about computer technology in an effort to be able to communicate more effectively at work but also because I became interested in the average consumer's perception of value in relation to the economic means of commodity production. Or in other words, I got damned tired of spending every day listening to people walk through my section of the store and complain about the prices of literally every thing they saw. At first, it didn't really bother me. After all, I don't set the prices and I personally agree that a lot of the stuff we sell can be found cheaper elsewhere. But after a while, I started noticing patterns in the comments. I began to pick up on what specific qualities people valued in products, while also noticing how little people cared to understand about the products outside of those valued qualities. I noticed how easy it was for a typical consumer to see a product in the store, as it existed in it's "final form" and feel completely justified in judging the value of that product while having absolutely no care or clue about all of the labor, energy and expertise that had to occur across various levels of socioeconomic interactions. I felt myself being commodified as a resource or service and I started to recognize that different people can have different interpretations of what a technology even is and that the capabilities of these devices are shaped by the social relationships and applications of its users. I began to challenge my own understanding of technology. I became more invested in learning about how things are made, how they were invented, how certain technologies made others obsolete, how certain technologies completely changed our civilizations. I learned to see that human action shapes technology and technology shapes societal values and interactions and that certain technologies gain acceptance or legitimacy based on social consensus and the consensus is generally mediated through other technologies.
Simply put, tech is everywhere. And it's something that affects all of our lives. Even if you've never used a personal computer in your life, you've still probably relied on some sort of digital, electrical, or mechanical system that was once invented by another person. One major part of this revelation was learning more about the nature of algorithms and machine learning.
Here are a few books I read this year that opened my eyes to the ethical implications of living in a world dominated by data-driven decisions and algorithmic thinking:
"Scary Smart" by Mo Gawdat: This book delves into the future of artificial intelligence, examining the potential perils and promises AI holds for humanity.
"A Human's Guide to Machine Intelligence" by Kartik Hosanagar: Hosanagar navigates the complex world of algorithms and their growing impact on our daily lives and decisions.
"Weapons of Math Destruction" by Cathy O'Neil: O'Neil exposes the dark side of big data, revealing how algorithms can reinforce inequality and social injustice.
"The Shame Machine" by Cathy O'Neil: This book investigates how technology and social media platforms manipulate emotions like shame for profit and control.
"The Chaos Machine" by Max Fisher: Fisher offers a critical look at how social media algorithms fuel polarization, misinformation, and societal unrest.
"Life 3.0" by Max Tegmark: Tegmark explores the future of life with AI, pondering its ethical implications and potential to redefine our existence.
"The Alignment Problem" by Brian Christian: Christian delves into the challenges of aligning advanced AI technologies with human values and ethics.
"The Efficiency Paradox" by Edward Tenner: Tenner critically examines the pursuit of efficiency through technology and its unexpected consequences on creativity and productivity.
"Information Doesn't Want to Be Free" by Cory Doctorow: Doctorow tackles the complexities of intellectual property in the digital age, advocating for the rights of creators and consumers.
"Noise" by Daniel Kahneman: Kahneman explores the often overlooked role of random variability ('noise') in decision-making and its profound impact on our lives.
"A Hacker's Mind" by Bruce Schneier: Schneier delves into the mindset of hackers, revealing insights into security, privacy, and the digital world's vulnerabilities.
"Too Much Information" by Cass R. Sunstein: Sunstein examines the information overload in today's world and its effects on decision-making, democracy, and the public good.
On top of these books and audiobooks I have also consumed a lot of interviews, talks, presentations and online courses related to algorithms, data and machine learning.
I have learned a lot about how algorithms shape our lives. Search engines like Google can return relevant and accurate results quickly and have gained users' trust over time, streaming platforms like Netflix or Spotify can successfully recommend content tailored to user preferences. Social networking platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn have become spaces where communities form and professionals connect and share publications. I had never stopped to think about how much deeply intertwined these systems are with our societies. Learning more about how big tech companies and Silicon Valley operate gave me a better idea of how social norms both inspire and hinder technological progress.
But this year saw the rise of another popular type of algorithms, deep learning neural networks. Neural networks are inspired by the structure and function of the human brain and are used in various applications, including image and speech recognition, natural language processing, and autonomous vehicles. I am trying hard to avoid using the term, but this is what people think of when they talk about Artificial Intelligence. I don't want to get too into machine-based intelligence and the different types of AI, but I will say that I have learned a lot about these technologies and I have enjoyed learning how to use them.
AI Generated images: Digital painting of Simone de Beauvoir playing Nintendo Switch in a library. Left: December 2022, Right: December 2023:
I think 2024 is going to be a monumental year for technology, especially software applications that utilize neural networks. But we're also going to see a lot of progress across other industries as neural networks enable the development of other tech. Besides neural networks, I am also excited about breakthroughs in genetics, medicine, robotics, virtual reality, wearable tech, sustainable mobility, and renewable energy. I find that as I learn more about new technologies and consider their implications, science fiction helps me understand the context of the innovations.
Here are some of my favorite sci-fi novels and movies that I enjoyed this year:
"AI 2041" by Kai-Fu Lee: A visionary look into the future, this book presents ten gripping stories of how artificial intelligence will shape our world by 2041.
"Fahrenheit 451" by Ray Bradbury: Bradbury's classic dystopian novel depicts a future society where books are banned, and 'firemen' burn any that are found.
"Ready Player One" by Ernest Cline: A thrilling adventure set in a vast virtual world, this novel follows a young hero's quest for a hidden Easter egg amidst 1980s pop culture references.
"Ready Player Two" by Ernest Cline: The sequel to 'Ready Player One', this novel continues the exciting adventures in the OASIS with new challenges and mysteries.
"The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" series by Douglas Adams: A comedic sci-fi series that follows the interstellar misadventures of an unwitting human and his eccentric alien friends.
"Klara and the Sun" by Kazuo Ishiguro: This novel presents a unique perspective on love and society through the eyes of Klara, an artificial being.
"Lucy" directed by Luc Besson: A sci-fi action film about a woman who gains psychokinetic abilities from a nootropic drug, leading her on a path of revenge and self-discovery.
"Ex Machina" directed by Alex Garland: A thought-provoking film exploring the nature of consciousness, AI, and human relationships through the story of a humanoid robot.
"Total Recall" directed by Len Wiseman: A high-octane sci-fi action film about a man who discovers his entire life might be a false memory and his journey to uncover the truth.
"Ready Player One" directed by Steven Spielberg: Spielberg's adaptation of the novel, bringing to life the visually stunning and action-packed virtual world of the OASIS.
Here are a few non-fiction books that I listened to or read concerning the history and future of humanity from various historians, scientists and physicists:
"Sapiens" by Yuval Noah Harari: Harari traces the evolution of Homo sapiens from the Stone Age to the 21st century, exploring how our history has shaped today's world.
"Homo Deus" by Yuval Noah Harari: A forward-looking sequel to "Sapiens," this book discusses the future of humanity, particularly the potential of new technologies and AI.
"What We Owe the Future" by William MacAskill: MacAskill offers a philosophical exploration of longtermism, emphasizing our responsibility to future generations.
"The Climate Book" by Greta Thunberg: A comprehensive guide by activist Greta Thunberg, presenting scientific facts and solutions for the climate crisis.
"How to Avoid a Climate Disaster" by Bill Gates: Gates proposes practical and innovative solutions to prevent catastrophic climate change.
"Starry Messenger" by Neil deGrasse Tyson: Tyson provides an enlightening perspective on the cosmos and our place in it, blending science with philosophy.
"The Unbroken Thread" by Sohrab Ahmari: This book explores timeless questions about modernity and tradition, emphasizing the importance of sustaining moral and spiritual values.
"Autophobia" by Brian Ladd: Ladd examines the complex relationship between humans and automobiles, considering its impact on society and culture.
"Future Thinking" by David Christian: Christian discusses the evolution of human societies and civilizations, exploring where our species might be headed.
"Because Internet" by Gretchen McCulloch: A look into how the internet is shaping the way we communicate, focusing on language and its evolution in the digital age.
"The Magick of Physics" by Felix Flicker: Flicker presents a unique combination of physics and magical thinking, exploring the wonders of the universe.
"To Infinity & Beyond" by Neil deGrasse Tyson: Tyson takes readers on a journey through the vastness of space, explaining complex concepts in an accessible manner.
"Astrophysics for People in a Hurry" by Neil deGrasse Tyson: A concise overview of key astrophysics concepts, perfect for readers looking to quickly understand the universe.
"Invention and Innovation" by Vaclav Smil: Smil explores the history and impact of human inventions and innovations, examining their role in shaping our world.
"The Song of the Cell" by Siddhartha Mukherjee: Mukherjee delves into the world of cellular biology, revealing how cells have revolutionized medicine and our understanding of life.
"Zen and the Art of Saving the Planet" by Thich Nhat Hanh: Hanh provides a spiritual perspective on ecological and societal issues, offering mindful practices for environmental healing.
"We Are Electric" by Sally Adee: Adee explores the science of bioelectricity and its groundbreaking potential in medicine and technology.
"Humanly Possible" by Sarah Bakewell: Bakewell presents an inspiring look at human potential and creativity, exploring various historical and cultural achievements.
"A Brief History of Everything" by Ken Wilber: Wilber offers a comprehensive view of the universe, blending science, philosophy, and spirituality.
(Now, I'm going to talk more philosophically so please, bear with me.)
I spend a lot of time completely rethinking and changing my theoretical framework for reality. Sometimes I believe in a Prime Creator or God and a Divine or Universal order. Sometimes I'm convinced I live in a simulation or an infinitesimal fractal of a reality in an omniverse of possibilities. Sometimes I'm a materialist, sometimes I'm an illusionist, or an existentialist or a stoic. I say this because I am just as impressionable and malleable as anyone else. So, when I make generalizations or statements that may seem like I'm claiming objective truth, please take it with a grain of salt and understand I'm not trying to.
If there is anything I've learned from studying the historical circumstances of our past, it's that the future is chaotic and unpredictable. We imagine future technologies to work out exactly as they've been depicted in media, but that's rarely ever the case. Our modern society is spoiled in that we have the means to understand and predict many of the adverse effects of new technologies or paradigm shifts through media and literature. But these ideas just become tropes and stereotypes that feed into collective illusions. Our social conceptions of linear time and naturally evolving progress don't mean much against the exponential rate of technological growth in this probabilistic and random universe.
I like to recite this Latin quote on Instagram a lot, "Natura non facit saltus" or "nature never makes leaps". It sounds cool and always pops into my head when I'm on hikes or places where I get to witness the beauty of the natural world. I now recognize this principle as a fallacy that is dependent on a dualistic perspective and archaic understandings of the dynamics between modern science and natural philosophy. Thinkers like Leibniz and Darwin used this quote to express the sentiment that nature progresses gradually. I think it’s getting harder to predict how events of the future will develop because trends only tell a part of the story. I think certain technologies seemingly become ubiquitous without our understanding or awareness. (think written word, cars, or smart phones) I worry that as tech markets start making massive leaps and industries overlap, our current systems will be much more vulnerable to negative effects of global disruption that we can’t begin to predict or control. As new technologies develop and become more embedded in our lives, their ethical and societal implications become increasingly complex. Issues such as data privacy, the digital divide, and automation's impact on employment are just a few examples that we had the benefit of foresight and yet are still dealing with major challenges on a global scale. We are currently struggling to find a balance between harnessing the benefits of innovation and safeguarding against the potential risks. Right now, I’m interested in the growing power of influence and influencers; the transition from creative artists to content creators; and the increasing demand of engagement across new platforms for digital media and social networks. I also think that we live in a transitional era where people have lost or are losing their phenomenal representations of reality and their self images, which is creating a social dissonance in our culture.
It feels like we’re one eureka moment away from someone uncovering the secret to rewriting the very fabric of existence or one notification away from total armageddon. I think modern people are inclined and encouraged to identify as independent individuals and we’re loosing sight of the importance of community and diminishing the value normative behaviors and identities. Which I think is really hard for people to reconcile or grasp as it’s happening. It feels like modern notions of anxiety are just the social dissonance that we have between our self-image constructed from social comparisons and our reality built by collective illusions. It seems like mass spread, instantaneous global communication has amplified our capacity for social interaction but now it’s becoming increasingly difficult for anything to remain substantive. We are individually alienated from reality but more connected than ever before. In our modern society, we are constantly being given representations of the world through media and images, but we also have the subjective ability to ignore or dismiss what doesn’t fit our personal worldview or belief systems in a way that just wasn't possible for average citizens.
Here are a few of the books or works of philosophers, & psychologists I've read this past year:
"Society of the Spectacle" by Guy Debord: Debord critiques modern society, arguing that authentic social life has been replaced by mere representation in media and advertising.
"The Fall" by Albert Camus: A philosophical novel exploring themes of existentialism, guilt, and human freedom through the story of a self-proclaimed 'judge-penitent.'
"On Photography" by Susan Sontag: Sontag examines the role and impact of photography on our perception of reality and the ethical implications of capturing images.
"Revolt of the Masses" by Jose Ortega y Gasset: Gasset discusses the rise of mass-man and its effects on culture, politics, and society in the 20th century.
"A Very Easy Death" by Simone de Beauvoir: Beauvoir's personal narrative reflecting on her mother's death, exploring themes of family, aging, and mortality.
"The Global Village" by Marshall McLuhan: McLuhan and Powers explore the transformations in communication and society brought about by electronic technology.
"At the Existentialist Cafe" by Sarah Bakewell: A narrative journey through the lives and ideas of key existentialist thinkers like Sartre, Beauvoir, and Camus.
"Thinking 101" by Woo-kyoung Ahn: Ahn offers insights into how we think, make decisions, and the cognitive biases that affect our everyday lives.
"Conscious" by Annaka Harris: Harris delves into the mysteries of consciousness, exploring what we know and what remains a puzzle.
"Nineteen Ways of Looking at Consciousness" by Patrick House: House explores various theories and perspectives on consciousness in an accessible and engaging way.
"A History of Western Philosophy" by Bertrand Russell: Russell provides a comprehensive overview of Western philosophical thought from the pre-Socratic philosophers to the early 20th century.
"What is Called Thinking" by Martin Heidegger: Heidegger investigates the nature of thought and its relationship to being, encouraging deeper engagement with philosophical inquiry.
"Solve for Happy" by Mo Gawdat: Gawdat presents a logical and scientific approach to achieving lasting happiness.
"Communist Manifesto" by Karl Marx: Marx and Engels' influential political document advocating for communism and critiquing capitalist society.
"The Eternal Tao Te Ching" by Benjamin Hoff: Hoff interprets the Tao Te Ching, offering insights into Taoism and its application to modern life.
"Karma" by Sadhguru: Sadhguru explores the concept of karma and its implications for personal growth and spiritual understanding.
"Inner Engineering" by Sadhguru: A guide to achieving inner peace and spiritual well-being through yoga and mindfulness.
"A Thousand Brains" by Jeff Hawkins: Hawkins proposes a new theory of intelligence and brain function, challenging traditional views of the mind.
"Making Sense" by Sam Harris: Harris explores a wide range of topics from neuroscience to morality, offering insights into how we can better understand ourselves and the world.
"Existentialism: A Very Short Introduction": A concise overview of existentialist thought, covering key figures and themes in the philosophy.
"Postmodernism: A Very Short Introduction": An accessible introduction to postmodernist ideas and their influence on art, culture, and criticism.
"Continental Philosophy: A Very Short Introduction": A brief exploration of continental philosophy, discussing its history, key thinkers, and main ideas.
"Poststructuralism: A Very Short Introduction": An overview of poststructuralist theory, examining its origins, central concepts, and impact.
"Intelligence: A Very Short Introduction": A concise examination of the concept of intelligence, including debates around its nature, measurement, and variation.
Most modern people, at least in the USA where I live, recognize the futility of our modern societal structures. People complain about the daily grind, being stuck in routines, having no sense of purpose, trapped in the nightmare of the supposed American Dream, but we have no way of understanding how might one live besides this reality. If you don't trust the public institutions, you get all of your information from the media et vice versa. People's entire lives get processed down into binary decisions like computing. You're this or you're that. Take the red pill or blue pill. Vote yes or vote no. Conform or rebel. You're us or you're them. I think the social dissonance emerges from the conflicting ideas of what we belief to be Truth and the reality of the world we’ve created. We are born and raised in a neoliberal, neostoic, hyper-consumerist environment that tells us to be self-made and autonomous, work hard to become normal and mature but also stand out and leave a lasting legacy and then demands that we participate in the economic means of production at all costs. We don’t necessarily want to but that’s the game. If we don’t progress and succeed in the never ending quest for achieving social validation then we burnout or face social sanctions. I think about these issues a lot and it doesn’t seem to be any easy solutions… I’m trying to figure out how to build something to figure out how to work through this social dissonance, but it’s hard and I’m just an average guy. Sometimes I feel like I can’t do anything about it myself, which I guess is just part of the problem. We’re so determined to be self reliant that it’s hard to ask for help or to even talk about anything besides the status quo. These are critical issues in our modern society, and I think they highlight a need for more authentic forms of connection, communication, and community engagement. They also raise important questions about how we can collectively create societal structures that prioritize well-being, genuine interactions, and a more balanced approach to life beyond the confines of consumerism and material success.
(Allow me to elaborate more on how much I've learned from the field of sociology this year.) I’m going to introduce and explain a simple sociological concept that I refer to as Social Accreditation Theory. Through this lens, societal value judgments (validations or sanctions) are expressed through two forms of accreditation: explicit and implicit. Explicit accreditation is what we traditionally think of when we hear the word, it takes the form of awards or certifications, while implicit accreditation is a more internalized process based on an individual's perceptions of societal norms. Both forms of accreditation are interconnected, with societal norms and values influencing an individual's self-worth and behavior, while individuals collectively can also shape societal norms. As societal values evolve over time, both explicit and implicit accreditation processes can undergo changes. This theory of social accreditation explains how social norms influence our behaviors and beliefs through everyday interactions and unspoken rules, providing societal validation, acceptance, and opportunities within social networks.
For example, this year I was recognized by a colleague for an "Employee Excellence Award" given out to university staff members. This was a classic example of explicit accreditation. It's a formal, visible acknowledgment of my hard work and skills.
Now, let's talk about the subtler side. Implicit accreditation happens in the day-to-day interactions. For example, when my coworkers at the bookstore come to me for advice on tech issues, it's not just because of my official title as Technology Department Manager; it's because they've observed my skills and trust my judgment on tech-related issues. This trust and respect from my peers are forms of implicit accreditation. These two forms of accreditation are deeply interconnected. Something like the Employee Excellence Award (explicit accreditation) reinforces my co-workers' view of me as competent and reliable, which in turn strengthens the implicit accreditation I receive through their trust and respect. Similarly, the respect I may have earned informally from them might have been a big factor in me being chosen for recognition in the first place. From viewing these events through this lens, I was able to understand that this recognition, both explicit and implicit, helped boost my confidence and self-esteem. It validates my sense of identity as a skilled professional and in turn, I found myself even more willing to help out and offer my ideas and skills to other departments, knowing that they're valued.
Social Accreditation Theory (SAT) is an idea that helps us see the social world more clearly by revealing the invisible lines and forces that connect people, such as who's influencing whom, who's seeking approval, and who's setting trends. With SAT, we can see how influencers or popular figures shape what's considered 'popular', 'normal' or 'acceptable', which in turn affects what we buy, how we speak, and even what we believe. SAT helps us understand the pressure we all feel to fit in or be accepted. It's like having a map that shows why we sometimes feel left out or why we change our behavior to match those around us. By understanding how social accreditation works, we can also understand why people act the way they do. When we understand the social forces at play, we can make better decisions about how to act, who to trust, and what to believe, which I think is going to be extremely helpful and necessary when dealing with future technologies. SAT can help us build better communities by showing us how to support and validate what's genuinely good and beneficial, rather than just what's popular or easy.
In simpler terms, Social Accreditation Theory gives me a playbook for understanding and navigating the complex social world I live in. I am working on a more in-depth blog post explaining SAT and its applications and implications, which I can't wait to finish and share! It really can be used to understand power dynamics, social interactions, othering and labeling, micro-aggressions and influence culture, and so much more. I've spent a lot of time developing this concept and exploring how it fits into social theories of the past. But I first got the idea from watching John Hughes' "The Breakfast Club," a classic film from 1985, that shows the complex nature of societal norms, pressures and the basic human need for validation and understanding. The movie is set in a high school detention and follows the lives of five students, each embodying a different stereotype - the "princess," the "jock," the "criminal," the "brain," and the "outcast." At first, these kids interact as expected, based on preconceived notions and societal expectations. However, as they bond and engage in candid conversations and open up about their vulnerabilities, they start to connect beyond the labels, recognizing the shared pressures they face. This realization leads to a profound shift in their perspectives, making each character more human and emphasizing the central idea of the Social Accreditation Theory: there is a dynamic interplay between the impact of societal validation and sanctions on identity and behavior. The movie is probably one of my favorite films of all time and its a poignant commentary on the mysteries of social dynamics and the pursuit of validation.
Here are a few of the works, books and essays by social theorists that have helped shape Social Accreditation Theory:
"Invitation to Sociology" by Peter Berger: Berger introduces sociology as a fascinating field of study, emphasizing its role in understanding human behavior and society.
"The Social Construction of Reality" by Peter Berger and Thomas Luckmann: This book explores how knowledge and understanding are shaped by societal interactions and cultural contexts.
"The Social Contract" by Jean-Jacques Rousseau: Rousseau's seminal work discusses the concept of collective agreement as the basis of political legitimacy and societal organization.
"Human Nature and the Social Order" by Charles Horton Cooley: Cooley examines the relationship between individual identity and societal perceptions, introducing the concept of the "looking-glass self."
"Civilization and Its Discontents" by Sigmund Freud: Freud explores the conflict between individual instinctual drives and the demands of civilization, considering its implications for human happiness and discontent.
"Social Comparison Theory" by Leon Festinger: Festinger's theory explains how individuals evaluate their own abilities and opinions by comparing themselves to others.
"Cognitive Dissonance Theory" by Leon Festinger: This theory describes the mental discomfort that results from holding contradictory beliefs, attitudes, or behaviors, leading to an alteration in one of them to reduce the dissonance.
"The Public Sphere" by Jürgen Habermas: Habermas theorizes the concept of the public sphere as an area in social life where individuals can come together to freely discuss and identify societal problems.
"Manufacturing Consent" by Noam Chomsky and Edward Herman: This work examines mass media in the U.S., arguing that it serves to propagate the agendas of dominant, elite groups in power.
"Myths to Live By" by Joseph Campbell: Campbell explores the power and relevance of myths in contemporary life, discussing their role in shaping human experience & understanding.
"Self-Reliance" by Ralph Waldo Emerson: Emerson's essay emphasizes the importance of individualism and the need for each person to trust their instincts and ideas, rather than conforming to societal expectations.
"The Second Sex" by Simone de Beauvoir: Beauvoir's groundbreaking work critically examines the oppression of women, exploring how they have been historically treated as the 'other' in a male-dominated society.
"The Right to Sex" by Amia Srinivasan: Srinivasan examines sexual politics and ethics, challenging conventional views on consent, desire, and power.
"Ejaculate Responsibly" by Gabrielle Stanley Blair: Blair presents a thought-provoking perspective on male responsibility in reproductive health and societal norms.
"Polysecure" by Jessica Fern: Fern integrates attachment theory with polyamory, providing guidance on building secure, emotionally healthy relationships.
"The Myths of Meritocracy" by Malcom Gladwell: Gladwell examines the concept of meritocracy, revealing how success is often influenced by factors beyond individual merit.
"Teaching to Transgress" by Bell Hooks: Hooks explores progressive teaching methods for an inclusive education, emphasizing the importance of teaching as an act of liberation and empowerment.
"Curious Minds" by Perry Zurn and Dani Bassett: Zurn and Bassett explore the nature of curiosity, researching its role in driving innovation, creativity and social change.
So, you see, social accreditation theory isn't some new, isolated concept. It's a component in the broader mechanisms of sociological thought. Each of these theorists, in their own way, sheds light on how individual actions and societal structures interact, a dynamic of influence that social accreditation theory helps us understand more deeply. It's been a fascinating journey, one that I believe connects us to the foundational questions about our social world and our place within it. But it's important to remember, while social accreditation can guide us, it doesn't define us. Understanding this concept empowers us to make more conscious choices about how we interact with the world. It encourages us to ask ourselves: Are we acting in certain ways because it's truly who we are, or because we seek that silent nod of approval from society? I am not advocating for anarchy for the sake of standing out. I think that we need to continue to embrace the social processes through which individuals internalize the norms, values, roles, and beliefs of their society. But we have to also acknowledge that social deviance too is a normal and necessary part of society, as it can help clarify social norms and promote social change. It's a dynamic process, where the act of social accreditation can perpetuate existing social hierarchies or, at times, challenge and reshape them.
This year, I plan on writing and posting a lot more about this concept and how it relates to other social phenomenon, so I hope that this post does its job in introducing SAT and explaining why I think its so fascinating and significant.
I will try to share blog posts from this site to my personal pages on Facebook, Threads, LinkedIn but I also encourage you to follow me on Instagram:
@bryantallenrogers - this is my main profile and follow my side projects!
@sociotechbro - content exploring the influence of technology on human thinking and social systems,
@philosophyplays - Quick philosophical dives into video game narratives and characters,
@neweyedeas - Using generative AI to explore thought experiments and imagine metaphorical allegories.
I started posting on all three of those pages this year and I want to invest more time and energy into sharing content on those as well in 2024.
I want to end this by focusing on my personal social relationships and how grateful I am to have made these connections in my social network.
Thank you to Brittany, my wonderfully supportive fiancée. To my absolutely amazing and loving immediate and extended family members, including my parents and siblings, aunts and uncles and cousins. To my future family-in-laws for being considerably caring and accepting. To all of my many friends who have shaped so much of my sense of self. To all of my past and present co-workers who contribute to helping me learn and understand my place in society. To all who exist in the various subcultures and micro-communities that have influenced my life. And to you, whoever you are, for taking the time to read this, despite all of the available forms of data, content, media and information that you could be consuming instead.
Here are 50 photos from some of the most impactful moments captured in photos in 2023.
This has all mostly been a lot of rambling, but I am happy to have gotten some of these ideas out of my head. I enjoyed the year 2023 and I am excited and optimistic about all of the opportunities and capabilities waiting to be explored in 2024.
Happy New Year, Love Bryant.