Read the Bruce Sterling short story, "Maneki Neko" (1998). The story is set in a future Japan where the inhabitants participate in a gift economy that relies on networked communications via a hand-held electronic device. The device (or whoever or whatever is behind it) tells the participants what to do, and they carry out acts of kindness for people they don't know.

One idea to consider: the main character says of technology, "I really believe that computers help human beings to relate in a much more human way." What do you normally think about that, and what do you think after reading the story? Have you had experiences where technology helped you relate to others in a more human way? Or where it hindered human interactions? Who or what do you think is behind the messages directing others how to act in the story, and why do you think so?

Be sure and refer to specific parts of the reading when writing your post.

 

READING: https://www.lightspeedmagazine.com/fiction/maneki-neko/

Answer rating: 100% (QA)

I found the story to be a thoughtprovoking exploration of the potential benefits and drawbacks of technology in human relationshipsThe idea of a gift ... View the full answer