Technoscientific Musings at WUSTL

“How the World Changed Social Media” dealt with this idea of technology and how it allows for easy exchange of money as well as technology in the work force. I think the most amazing thing about technology is that it really allows anyone to sell anything such as on Ebay, or for example, this kid I know who is literally in sixth grade has her own page on Etsy to sell little handcrafts trinkets. I was surprised that this chapter did not address these (it was definitely around in 2016 when this book was published. We also see especially at WashU, the exchange of money through new technologies. At a college, it is common to see splitting tabs and taxis, typically done through Venmo. Whenever I encounter someone who doesn’t use Venmo, it is frustrating for me, because I don’t know how to pay him/her back since no one really carries cash around anymore.

In “Chinese Gold Farmers in the Game World”, Jin investigated a different side of commodification through technology as s/he looked at a new market that popped up as gaming has become intensely popular. People who game may not want to spend a lot of grind time to build up points and gold, so they pay others to do it for them. I thought the existence of this market was interesting in itself. I know games like candy crush have in-game purchases to help you get ahead, but this market was created not to benefit the game makers themselves but other gamers who might need some extra cash. I also thought that the fact this market exists just highlights the idea that being rich means you can buy time, and the idea that that’s all wealth is. All technology just serves to save you time to do other things while getting everything done.

It was funny how most of the gold farmers really enjoy their job, which makes sense. God knows I have many friends who spend the majority of their day, every day playing games. Might as well get paid for it? But also, what Jin says about the hostility to farmers is real. Even with Pokemon Go, people were angry that some people who spent the money to get ahead in the game were given so much of a boost. Those who don’t have that expendable cash feel that games should be something that aren’t marred by these inequalities but rather time spent on the game.