i cannot relate to modern tech
by now, i've already said my piece about generative AI. but my opinions towards modern tech are the same all around. i cannot relate to it anymore, for a multitude of reasons.
before i talk about it, though: say, does anyone remember frutiger aero? that bubbly, glassy, nature-meets-technology design language that was huge during the 00s? being a regular community member of the frutiger aero archive's forums has given me a lot to think about regarding the state of technology and how... absurd it's become.
it seemed like, during the "frutiger aero" era, there was a sense of whimsy and hope for the future in the design of our computers and phones. i mean, have you seen this art?
it's beautiful! why did companies abandon this design language so quickly?
i think i know the reason. it's because the world of high-tech and the world of artistry are incompatible. and i feel this every day when i see generative AI touted as the best thing since sliced bread, by people who have never created art in their lives. or social media personalities seeing visual entertainment as "content" instead of art. or that iPad commercial that implied "hey artists, just replace all your expensive equipment and tools with an iPad pro!" i do mostly digital art and even i found that commercial to be insulting. i still use physical art tools, too; they are not obsolete just because there's an app that can imitate them.
in fact, why do i even need to buy the new device? the one i'm using is working perfectly fine for me still. what good is getting a new device going to do for me, other than slightly-faster processing and chatbot features i don't need? the tech world's obsession with buying the shiny new toy baffles me. reminds me of the time i had to buy new apple pencil tips, because my tip finally gave out... after using it for 5 years. the pencil itself still works; i just needed new tips. what i'm trying to say is, you don't need to buy a new device every year; use the ones you have until they break. then you can consider it.
and oh god, the way tech people talk. i will die on the hill that tech bros, and many tech consumers, have no personality. modern-day nerd culture isn't comic book figurines and posters on brightly-colored bedroom walls and computers themed like hot wheels. no, it's white walls, beige desks, and a black metal slab telling you what to buy today. in fact, i am certain that tech bros have no personality beyond computers, because they sound like robots half the time. like a middle schooler padding out an essay with big words trying to sound smart.
seriously, though... what is "SEO", "the algorithm", "SaaS", "AGI" or "engagement metrics", and why would any of this make my life better, when i could just tell people i have a website and i offer visual art services? or make a commercial saying such? is all that other computer stuff really necessary? i've been trying to figure out what a "social media algorithm" is for 4 years, and i still don't get it. i probably never will. for all their trying to sound smart, tech bros sure love making things feel more complicated than they ought to be.
oh, and need i mention that the tech world seems to have a far-right douchebag problem? need i say more?
i kinda feel like Hayao Miyazaki sometimes. i make art and i cannot relate to modern tech, nor do i believe it's a necessary good. in other words, i'm not getting the new iPhone this year. or next year, or the years after. i shall continue to make art with the tools that have worked for me, until the day i die.
sigh... heck, man. i'm so exhausted talking about the absurdity of modern tech culture.