January 03, 2013

Alumna explores relationship to technology with new book

Amber Case BA ’08, named one of Inc. magazine’s Coolest Entrepreneurs Under 30, recently appeared on OPB Radio’s Think Out Loud to talk about her new book, An Illustrated Dictionary of Cyborg Anthropology.

As Case explains, “Cyborg anthropology is a way of understanding how we live as technosocially connected citizens in the modern era.” For example, she sees cell phones as “companion species” and notes that if you never throw away your computer files or photos, you might be a “digital hoarder.”

Case credits Deborah Heath, associate professor of anthropology, for introducing her to the concept of cyborg anthropology during a 2005 spring philosophy extravaganza.

“The next wave of successful technology will blend into the background,” Case says, “allowing humans to intuitively interact with one another.” Learn more in this Chronicle Magazine interview.

Listen to Think Out Loud