Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
in the real world activists normally do extensive planning and could be risking their
own lives. The creators of activist work must be held accountable for their actions.
The AR of tomorrow will be considerably more powerful, easily accessible to a
much larger population, and if abused more dangerous.
AR is a very young technology that has a real chance to change the world. The
ability to overlay reality with the virtual is a pandora's box that will certainly be
used by both sides. It has an uncertain future and development will be largely driven
by commercial interests.
Until AR is able to create actual social change it will continue be attacked by
nay sayers like Micah White. People are just beginning to figure out what makes
AR a unique technology. It offers the activist one of the most powerful tools of
expression available. As AR rapidly evolves it will quickly become more useful.
Activists should carefully consider the work they will make and its desired impact
on society. How will their work reach the public and who are they trying to affect?
What are the long-term implications and possible outcomes, right or wrong? The
future AR activist's goal should be to create work that mobilizes people, liberating
them from their digital screen based realities making a stronger community and
creating real social change.
Alice has stepped through the looking glass and we aren't turning back.
Emerging mobile technologies such as the smartphone and Google Glass are here to
stay. Many will use these technologies in ways that can isolate and fracture society.
It is the job all future artists and activists to use this technology for the better, to
bring people together and uproot social injustice.
Acknowledgements
Mark Skwarek (with Alan Sondheim and Brenda Grell).
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