As Franzen talks about how much he loves his new Pearl Blackberry. He is amazed that in only a few years the technology has upgraded so much. The relationship he has with his phone is erotic, he loves this piece of technology that gives him everything and asks for nothing allowing him to have complete control. This sense of control appeals to people because so much in this world is uncontrollable. The technology becomes one with the owner so that they can not let it go. This world of techno-consumerism changes the idea of love. People start to think they need to love as technology does. Love used to be a feeling but is now just a click on a link via Facebook "liking." Consumer products are designed to be likable, they are designed for the individual. This contrasts with the non-consumer things that aren't fixated on the individual.
Franzen thinks that technology has changed the way we love just as Carr believes that technology has changed the way we think. These changes are gearing towards the individual; consumer products are made for you to like. This relates to Focault when he speaks about the Panopticon. The Panopticon allows people to be individuals so that a power can control them. People want to be individuals now. The Christian Church can prove this. Christians used to be more focused on the body of Christ, the Church. Throughout time the focus has changed to a more personal relationship with God. People want to be recognized for who they are individually and not as a whole. As people move towards individualism, technology utilizes that to evolve and vice versa. This is a cycle that leads to more advanced technology and more individualistic people.
Does Franzen think that non-consumer products are the only good products?
Good breakdown here: to the point, accurate, and thoughtful. But man, ya gotta edit, Breck--grammar is sloppy!
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