man-computer symbiosis

Man-Computer Symbiosis

J. C. R. Licklider

IRE Transactions on Human Factors in Electronics,

Volume HFE-1, pages 4-11, March 1960

This article was written in 1960 looking toward the future in computer-man symbiosis. Then defined as a cooperative "living together in intimate association, or even close union, of two dissimilar organisms.”(27)

man-computer symbiosis as a subclass of man-machine systems. There were some main striking parts of this article that truly shocked and confirmed current computer accomplishments. The first was “computing machines would do the routinizable work that must be done to prepare the way for insights and decisions in technical and scientific thinking.” Licklider took the time to analyze his own routine at work and mentions he spent 85 percent of the time doing preliminary work. He then suggested that is what computers should be used to aid men in work for the busy work.

Additionally when Licklider says, “It seems entirely possible that, in due course, electronic or chemical machines will outdo the human brain in most of the functions we now consider exclusively within its province.” I recently saw a program (yes just last week actually) where an animated animal mocks your voice when you speak to it (an I-pad application) Gees here I thought the new interactive wireless and remote-less video games, 3d television experience brought to your TV through wireless internet was a leap and bound!

Lastly, Licklider says, “Men appear to think more naturally and easily in terms of goals than in terms of courses. True they usually know something about directions in which to travel or lines along which to work, but few start out with precisely formulated itineraries. Who, for example, would depart from Boston for Los Angeles with a detailed specification of the route? “ This makes me think of the gps and how revolutionary it has been (for some people) LOL! The commercial for an insurance company that has a man in the front seat misguiding you (a metaphoric look at the gps and it’s glitches!) I myself don’t use gps however DO use mapquest, and I feel it’s a perfect example of computer-woman symbiosis because the computer is not guiding me, it is helping me J