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Agnes Callard’s theory of the uni-context

derekthompson.org

21–30 of 108 posts

Re: Agnes Callard’s theory of the uni-context

#21
I'm having immense problems digesting this interview to understand the concept of the uni-context.

It does sound very interesting and right up my alley.

I also don't seem to be able to use internet search anymore (probably a user error) so if anyone has a link to a document, soundfile or video of Agnes Callard explaining the concept without the interuptions from a interviewer that is more interested in contributing than to let her explain the concept I would very much appreciate it.

Re: Agnes Callard’s theory of the uni-context

#22
post #5

Nightclubs that put stickers on your phone camera are attempting (largely succeeding) to keep the uni-context out.

That's a cool idea. I'm no longer the right age for such things, but I'm glad people are trying to create unsurveilled spaces.

It feels doomed, though. Smart glasses wearers are being shamed today, but the tech will only get more inconspicuous. And HD cameras are so small and cheap that phone cameras are only one of many potential sources of surveillance.

With ubiquitous tiny cameras, quality networks (even in remote areas thanks to Starlink), cheap storage, and increased analysis capabilities thanks to AI, it feels like planet panopticon is here.

Re: Agnes Callard’s theory of the uni-context

#24
This actually fits quite nicely with the idea that the graph network of humanity has meaningful emergent properties/challenges/phenomena at various densities or subnetwork connectedness thresholds.

It's the same fundamental network problem: the infrastructure that allows unprecedented levels of commerce and ideas and travel will also allow disinformation, plagues, and homogeneity. The double-edged sword of graph density.

Re: Agnes Callard’s theory of the uni-context

#26
post #2

> If you post something to social media, it will be simultaneously visible to your boss, your parents, your ex, and total strangers Isn't that what G Wave/ G+ trying to solve? I think a better option would be: don't tie your IRL identity for online communications.

Google had a platform called circles once that had a really neat solution to this.

If course it being Google, it got cancelled before it had a chance to catch on.

Re: Agnes Callard’s theory of the uni-context

#27
post #16

"How do informational norms change when we’re all living in the same universal room?" I different interesting question: why would we want to inhabit this universal room in the first place? The post mentions the idea of being "bigger than yourself" but to me the context collapse achieves the opposite - a sort of carboard caricature of oneself.

From what I’ve observed, people are increasingly checking out of social media (or turning their profiles private), because it’s just unappealing unless you’re actively promoting something.

This is the reason I am not on any socials. It is purely promotional

Re: Agnes Callard’s theory of the uni-context

#28
post #2

> If you post something to social media, it will be simultaneously visible to your boss, your parents, your ex, and total strangers Isn't that what G Wave/ G+ trying to solve? I think a better option would be: don't tie your IRL identity for online communications.

I think many social sites have tried to solve it, but in a world where anything is easily saved or screenshotted, it's still effectively a "universal room". Not to mention that properly implementing a form of role-based access control is a big ask for a lot users. Not tying your IRL identity to online communications only solves one side of the problem. You can't use your anon accounts to communicate as yourself to fa…

In Europe the operator of a website that is not purely personal is required to write their full name and address on the website. This is also bad in the opposite direction.

Re: Agnes Callard’s theory of the uni-context

#29
There are some of us (late generation-X / early millennial) who saw this coming and still maintain a variety of separate identities across many domains.

I don't know why someone would want to have the same identity in the workplace as on internet forums, for example.

Social media appears to have given many people the idea that they ought to cultivate their public identity from an early age as preparation for internet fame / personal branding.

Re: Agnes Callard’s theory of the uni-context

#30
post #5

Nightclubs that put stickers on your phone camera are attempting (largely succeeding) to keep the uni-context out.

That's a cool idea. I'm no longer the right age for such things, but I'm glad people are trying to create unsurveilled spaces. It feels doomed, though. Smart glasses wearers are being shamed today, but the tech will only get more inconspicuous. And HD cameras are so small and cheap that phone cameras are only one of many potential sources of surveillance. With ubiquitous tiny cameras, quality networks (even in remote…

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