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Using Technology To Enforce Good Behavior

Posted by Soulskill on from the hey-it-works-for-dogs dept.

Ismellpoop writes "With the new year upon us and resolutions being made to change unwanted behavior, many tools are now available to help people stay in line, such as a GPS-enabled app that locks down texting once a car gets rolling and a program that cuts off credit-card spending. Another device monitors your workout and offers real-time voice feedback. Have we entered an era in which electronics serve as mother, cop and coach because we can't manage our own desires?"

5 of 249 comments (clear)

  1. How is this any different than my alarm clock? by h4rr4r · · Score: 5, Insightful

    How is this any different than my alarm clock?

    Is it my mother because it wakes me?

    1. Re:How is this any different than my alarm clock? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

      What is this 'alarm clock' app you speak of? The iPhone doesn't appear to have such a thing.

  2. The blurb misses something in the proposition. by Seumas · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Have we entered an era in which electronics serve as mother, cop and coach because we can't manage our own desires?

    If you're the one setting up these utilities for yourself, then you are managing your own desires.

    1. Re:The blurb misses something in the proposition. by spun · · Score: 5, Funny

      I refuse to let anyone tell me what to do, especially past-me. Who does that fucker think he was, making decisions for me? When he told our wife "I'll pick up groceries on the way home," did he have any idea how tired I would be after work? No, and he didn't care, because it's not him picking up the groceries, he is gone, he is only a shadow of the past, and I am the one who has to pick up the groceries. Well, fuck it. It's not like I'm hungry now. If future me gets hungry, he can get his own damn food. But knowing him, he'll blame me for not getting it for him now, the sanctimonious prick.

      --
      - None can love freedom heartily, but good men; the rest love not freedom, but license. -- John Milton
  3. Re:Flamebait! by Yvan256 · · Score: 5, Funny

    Flamebait question. Computers? Being used to automate things? STOP THE PRESSES!

    We can't! They're automated too!