The computer pioneer J. C. R. Licklider wrote a famous essay titled “Man-Computer Symbiosis” in 1960, where he predicted a close coupling between humans and electronics in the future. He anticipated that we would be able to interact with computers in the same way we communicate with our co-workers whose skills supplement our own. It has been 60 years since the essay was published, and we are gradually seeing Licklider’s vision unfolding in our reality. Thus, it is important to understand Licklider’s essay because it gives us an idea of how to achieve man-computer symbiosis, how to prepare for the future, and understand the innovative direction we are taking.
Licklider’s essay gives detailed explanations of how we can achieve man-computer symbiosis. He acknowledges that we should develop our computers significantly before the symbiosis can take place and highlights five pre-requisites for man-computer symbiosis: “developments in computer time sharing, memory components, memory organization, programming languages, and input and output equipment” (Licklider). So, as per Licklider, our computers should excel in these five areas. For example, there is a huge dissimilarity between human and computer languages. So, it gets in the way of true symbiosis. Therefore, we should develop languages that machines can respond meaningfully. In this way, humans can set goals and think while computers can do the routinized work. These five pre-requisites can be taken as a measuring rod for any development towards man-computer symbiosis.
While reading Licklider’s essay, one cannot help but think about what the future is holding and how to prepare for it. The author imagined computers and humans would work together, but he was not oblivious of the possibility that electronics will eventually surpass human capacities in some areas although it sounded difficult at his time. (Licklider). So, even though his vision was not about replacing men with computers, there is a likely possibility that man-computer symbiosis will make many jobs redundant. He thought future humans would “diagnosis, pattern-matching, and relevance-recognizing” (Licklider). Nonetheless, the latest computers do all those activities. So, Licklider’s essay implies that only the jobs that require thinking and creativity will be left to humans, so we should prepare accordingly.
Lastly, Licklider’s essay gives us a better understanding of the innovations that are taking place currently. Their function match with his prediction. For example, a pacemaker is planted inside our body and helps to control irregular heart rhythms. Likewise, Apple Watch acts as our decision support system for health and other activities. Similarly, it struck me when I read about the “Computer-Posted Wall Display” in the essay. Licklider writes, “in some technological systems, several men share responsibility for controlling vehicles whose behaviors interact. Some information must be presented simultaneously to all the men, preferably on a common grid, to coordinate their actions” (Licklider). This is exactly what happens when we share Google docs. So, I believe other parts of his essay are also being applied in other new innovations.
Overall, it is essential to understand Licklider’s essay because it can guide us to attain man-computer symbiosis, prepare for the future, and understand the latest innovations. He has explained what should be developed in computers to achieve true symbiosis. One can take his text as a glimpse of the future and a way to understand present technologies. Licklider’s essay is a pivotal literature of the modern computing revolution, so it is a must-read.
Work Cited
Licklider, J.C.R. “Man-Computer Symbiosis (1960).” IRE Transactions on Human Factors in Electronics, volume HFE-1, 1960, pages 4-11.
