We named them after the humans they were replacing.

“The word ‘computer’ only really slid over to mean ‘a machine’ in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, once we started building mechanical and then electronic devices to do that work instead [of people]. We did not name the machines after some abstract idea. We named them after the humans they were replacing.”

Categories , , , , ,

One response to “We named them after the humans they were replacing.”

  1. webmeist Avatar

    It’s like how they name streets and developments on the properties that were there before they build them. It’s depressing to see over and over as you drive down areas that used to be nice natural locations. One of the things that has struck me in recent times is people look at technology and the tech Bros as if they’re always beneficial toward the future. But all of the tech Bros are not trying to be picard. Keep it in mind. 🤖

Your post must include a link to this post.

How does this work?
Write a response on your own website and include a link to this post. Then submit your response’s URL here. Your response may appear here after moderation. To update or remove it, edit or delete your original post and submit the same URL again. Learn more about Webmentions.

Discover more from Jeffrey Zeldman Presents

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading