Module 7 Exploring Technobiophilia through Word Clouds_Liu Jinxingqi



             I generated a word cloud about the concept of Technobiophilia using WordClouds.com. The key terms in the word cloud, such as nature, people, technology, change, internet, and love, reflect the transformation in the relationship between humans and nature brought about by technology. This aligns with my core understanding of the concept of Technobiophilia:

On the one hand, Technobiophilia represents a challenge and shift in the ways humans instinctively love nature due to the development of science and technology. As Sue Thomas (2014) points out, the love for nature is inherent in humans; it is embedded in our DNA. Erich Fromm refers to this instinct as Biophilia. The construction of national parks, urban greening, and coastal forests as vacation areas are all manifestations of humanity's inherent love for nature. Therefore, the development of technology is also closely related to the exploration of the human relationship with nature. Technology has deepened our understanding of nature itself and provides those who cannot live in natural environments with the opportunity and possibility to genuinelyexperience and feel the nature (e.g., using VR).

On the other hand, the “change” in the human-nature relationship  is also reflected in the shift in awareness. Technobiophilia can reshape and enrich our understanding of nature (Sue Thomas, 2021). We can directly observe and feel every tiny element of nature, as Sue Thomas mentioned in an interview: under this technology, a worm in the garden is just as important as a pony (Sue Thomas, 2021).

Besides the key words, the modifiers in the word cloud, such as encouraging, important, potential, and friendly, highlight the very positive aspect of the Technobiophilia concept. This is quite different from my initial understanding of Technobiophilia. I had heard about VR under this concept long ago, but I was still skeptical about the effects and impacts it could have. As Sue Thomas pointed out, people always feel a sense of guilt and fear when using electronic products (Sue Thomas, 2018).

 

References:

Thomas, S. (2013). Next nature: Nature caused by people. Journal of Professional Communication, 3(2), Article 5. http://digitalcommons.mcmaster.ca/jpc/vol3/iss2/5

Thomas, S. (2018). Nature and wellbeing in the digital age: How to feel better without logging off. https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B06XS85C26/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=sl1&tag=technobiop08b-21&linkId=212ce712bbeec36f26677071ec9f8907 

YouTube. (2021, April 17). Technobiophilia - life, nature and technology. YouTube. Retrieved December 1, 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcb7debi4wE

 

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