Manovich: Levels of Automation
Blog Assignment February 20th, 2012In The Language of New Media Manovich advises that Automation is one of the principles of new media. Automation is the technique of operating systems with automatic feeds. In my opinion, it simply excludes human interaction. Manovich breaks automation down into two levels; low level and high level. Low level automation pertains to programs allowing the computer user to modify or create something original using templates or algorithms. These low level automations are very significant to our everyday computer use. Manovich uses Photoshop as an example of a program that is used to automatically correct and alter photos to improve their image.
High level automation is more relevant to artificial intelligence (AI). Manovich states that this level of automation requires the computer to understand the meanings embedded in the generated objects. It is almost as though the computer is required to act like a human. AI engines use various approaches to simulate or imitate human intellect. Characters created are designed to have an expertise in their field. They are able to proficiently perform, while displaying skill and intelligence.
Living in the world of new media I feel as though we tend to be threatened more by high level automation than low level. Low level automation is taken for granted. These automations are very significant to our everyday computer use. Students and employees use programs like word processors, PowerPoint, and Excel to execute tasks efficiently and accurately. The help of the automatic programs decreases the focus on detail and allows us to work well without the worry of too many about errors. AI imitates the human mind. It is human nature to be threatened by any being or program that carries all or most of your characteristics. It is especially threatening when it performs at a more enhanced level than you.
February 21st, 2012 at 4:27 pm
Excellent summary of Manovich’s take on automation, Kamilah. I think, however, that, for him, automation is a matter of fact process that characterizes new media and computer processes and is not tied to human operations in the ways in which you suggest. The way I read was that automation refers to internal processes rather than the immediate and physical impact of technologies on real life. For Manovich, automation si what makes the computer work the way it does, rather than a practice that threatens to replace oerations now done manually by humans. Though I would add that the highest level of automation does raise a number of questions about what is human and what can ultimately be automated — like thought. If you haven’t seen Blade Runner, I recommend it. The big question is what makes human human.
February 22nd, 2012 at 11:39 pm
Liked your blog post, automation sure is imitating human intellect, Just a thought about prof. comment is: our choices still give us dominancy over this automation. We are still in control, the difference is we want to experience unthinkable, we want to socialize in new ways, and the likes. Automation is a way to achieve our targets and as Mcluhan suggested is proving to be our extension.