In Section 2 of Being Human: Human Computer Interaction in the Year 2020, Harper reflects on the major ways our interactions with technology are changing and the impact of these transformations on society. The five major transformations are the end of interface stability, the growth of techno-dependency, the growth of hyper-connectivity, and the end of the ephemeral and the growth of creative engagement.

Harper argues that these transformations are impacting the way we operate as a society because it alters our values and beliefs. First, he brings up the end of interface stability, which is the transformation of the interfaces presented to us. Interfaces are no longer easily defined, so our relationship with technology has changed because our relationship with technology is no longer clear. The boundaries between the relationship are blurry because people are not aware of what’s going on behind their devices. Harper brings up the notion that we live in an increasingly technology-reliant world which requires us to adapt as a society. He argues that the growing dependence on technology impacts the skills necessary to operate technology. He also argues that out society’s dependence on technology also impacts our relationship as humans and how we interact with other humans and technology. Harper discusses the increase in hyper connectivity and how it’s changed how we view our technology usage in terms of staying connecting 24/7. The increase in hyper connectivity threatens the values we previously had as humans regarding social interaction. Specifically, Harper argues that the boundaries between work, home, and play are disappearing. In terms of “the end of the ephemeral,” he brings up the controversial issue of digital monitoring. With the evolution of technology, our digital footprints are growing, and every activity online is monitored. Harper urges readers to recognize the ethical issue of monitoring because of the impact it has on our lives and privacy. Specifically, we are not aware of the extent to which we are being monitored which is a huge ethical problem. Finally, Harper brings up the growth of creative engagement which touches on the need for augment human reasoning and problem-solving skills to boost engagement amongst scientists and other users.

Harper’s views on human computer interaction bring up issues and adjustments our society needs to focus on as our technology rapidly evolves. I found Harper’s argument about our society’s dependence on technology and the impact it has on us very interesting. I thought of our relationship with technology as a game of catch-up. As a society we’re constantly keeping up with technology. We live in a world where people camp out for the newest iPhone model. I believe we have no control over the advancement of technology because our values have changed so much from our technology use. Our digital footprint is used against us and could ruin a person’s career or reputation in the click of a button. We have no control over our privacy, and we have no awareness to what goes on behind our screen. Harper believes we depend on technology, and we do. But I think we are controlled by technology. It’s like we almost don’t care who has our information or what information they have if we can post an Instagram or friend a relative on Facebook. We’re obedient to technology and I believe that’s why the human computer interaction has completely changed.