Xinyuan He
VISA 401B

The medium is the message

Prescriptive vs. holistic technologies.
Prescriptive technologies are designed for control and efficiency, breaking processes into steps that are externally regulated, while holistic technologies allow for autonomy and creativity.

The idea that "the medium is the message" serves as a powerful reminder to reflect on how the tools and technologies we use shape not only the way we communicate but also how we think, behave, and interact with the world. It teaches us that every medium, from books to social media, carries its own inherent influence, often transforming society in ways that go beyond the content it delivers. For instance, while smartphones and digital platforms offer convenience and connectivity, they can also fragment our attention and weaken face-to-face relationships. This realization encourages us to critically evaluate the mediums we rely on, recognizing both their benefits and their unintended consequences. By understanding these dynamics, we can make more intentional choices, seeking balance between embracing innovation and preserving meaningful human connections. McLuhan's insight challenges us to go beyond passive consumption and think deeply about the forces shaping our lives in an age of rapid technological change.









Ursula Franklin’s The Real World of Technology offers a profound and thought-provoking exploration of how technology shapes our lives, not merely as a collection of tools but as a system with far-reaching social, cultural, and political implications.

One of the most striking ideas in Franklin's work is her distinction between prescriptive and holistic technologies. She argues that modern systems often favor prescriptive approaches, where tasks are broken down into rigid, controlled processes, leading to efficiency but at the cost of individual creativity and agency. This insight feels particularly relevant in an era dominated by algorithms, automation, and the gig economy, where human labor is often reduced to mechanical, repetitive actions dictated by systems. It prompts reflection on whether the pursuit of efficiency is worth the erosion of autonomy and human-centered values.

Franklin’s call for accountability and thoughtful decision-making in technological development is particularly inspiring. She advocates for a society that critically evaluates the purposes and consequences of technological adoption, rather than passively accepting innovations as inevitable. This is a reminder that technology should serve human needs and values, not the other way around.



1. “The role of technology is to enable creativity, not to impose limitations on it. When the means of production are too rigidly controlled, the space for human creativity shrinks.”

2. “In a prescriptive system, the artist is forced to conform to a predefined framework, limiting the freedom to innovate and express individual vision.”

3. “Art, in its deepest sense, is a human activity that engages the mind and spirit. Technology should enhance, not constrain, this pursuit of human expression.”

4. “When technology turns into an industrial process, it can strip away the soul of creation, reducing art to mass production and conformity.”

5. “Holistic technologies encourage the artist’s autonomy, allowing for personal vision and mastery. In contrast, prescriptive technologies diminish this autonomy and narrow the scope of artistic expression.”