Anthropology and Technology
Anthropology is defined as “the science that deals with the origins, physical and cultural development, biological characteristics, and social customs and beliefs of humankind” (Dictionary.com). Anthropology is a very broad discipline that builds upon specifics. Humans have always strived for the improvement of quality of life which defines them in a specific moment in time. This leaves anthropologists constantly pursuing to understand the changes and their effects. Technological advances, especially in recent years have been responsible for rapidly reshaping the world in which we live in and therefore consequently humankind. Understanding the modern and past relationships between humans and technology will not only help anthropologist understand more about people today, but what the future holds too.

The iPod
A very powerful technological medium used in our modern world is the iPod. The iPod is a compact device that allows a person to conveniently have access and listen to a nearly infinite amount of music at their will. The iPod has grown in recent months and now many can carry videos, podcasts, browse the web, plays game, and much more. The iPod is a revolutionary device that has changed the way people interact and even the way they view the world. IPod users have more ‘control’ over their lives than ever because the iPod controls the way in which they receive and accept information. By simply putting in their headphones a person can ‘escape’ their environment create their own. They can tune in to the iPod and tune out the world.

The Information Received
The iPod is a very powerful piece of technology and is a very extensive topic to anthropologically explore. One way the iPod affects people is that it acts as a filter to what information they receive. This is true in two ways: They can block out information from outside sources by listening to iPod as an alternative. It also allows the user to directly choose what they want to listen to from what they chose to place on their iPod. What are the positive and negative consequences of how the iPod allows people to receive information? Are the users bypassed from information that would normally be useful? In what ways do individuals use the iPod? Overall, is the iPod a beneficial way for people to receive information?

The Method
Through an exploration of iPods will determine whether or not iPods are a beneficial way for people to receive information. To do so we will explore a diverse set of data that includes anthropological literary works, ethnographic sources, blog postings, audio and visual content, and news sources. From this I will be able to hopefully accurately analyze this specific question through a valid anthropological lens. This is important to consider because from these findings we can find better ways to receive information so that humankind is positively affected by it. We will also be able to gather insight to what will become of iPods and the affect they will have on us. On a larger scale, we could possibly make modifications to better mankind.