Turkle, S. (1980). Computer as Rorschach. Society/Transaction, January/February, 15-24.

Abstract

Just as the famous ink blot test is devoid of meaning until someone applies meaning to it, and in doing so reveals information about their psychological or emotional state, this paper examines the relationships that develop with computers and what that reveals about how people construct computers and how computers construct them in return. She argues that the computer

is a “constructed object” and as such there is a definitive social role that they play, not because of what they do but because of the relationships people form with them. Explaining the intersection of notions of “mechanical” calculation and “human” judgment and emotion, Turkle argues that there is a difference between other tools (like knives) and computers, which elicit new metaphors in language and cognitive processes by the user. Furthermore, she describes the computer as a “projective screen” or a “smokescreen” which allow people to draw attention away from larger issues and redirect them back onto the device (computer). The smokescreen is exemplified in the various ways that computers seemingly constrain, encourage violence, or atrophy the mind. However, Turkle argues computational devices didn’t bring about these issues but rather, that computers simply represent preexisting underlying societal issues. Finally, she describes the anthropomorphization of the computer and formalization of ideologies about what computers can, will, and should do in the future. As such, she advocates for customized “computer literacy” courses for users so that they are aware of the role the computer plays in society and their own relationship with the computer so that they can confidently navigate a world inseparable from computing.