This blog post reflects on the convenience we’ve gained and the analog sensibility we’ve lost amidst the changes brought by digital technology.
At 4 a.m. on December 31, 2012, the Korean government terminated analog broadcasting services nationwide. Without a digital TV receiver or digital converter, watching TV became impossible. Consequently, the government amended the Digital Transition Special Act to provide converters or digital TVs to economically vulnerable groups. The switch from analog to digital broadcasting was not merely for improved picture quality; it also aimed to revitalize the TV program content industry and encourage the growth of manufacturing sectors like HDTV and 3DTV. This transition propelled South Korea into a full-fledged digital society, bringing significant changes not only to broadcasting but across society as a whole. The shift to digital also paved the way for pursuing greater efficiency and development in various public service sectors, including education, healthcare, and transportation.
Entering the 21st century, we have transitioned most aspects of our lives to digital methods. As we relentlessly pursue faster and more convenient technologies and the advancement of science and technology, we must consider whether these changes are truly progressing in the right direction. Behind the convenience brought by digitalization lie complex social, environmental, and emotional impacts. In particular, there remains a lingering nostalgia for the unique sensibilities inherent in analog technology and for physical media.
Analog, or analog signals, refer to things that change continuously based on external factors, like the markings on a car speedometer. Most information in nature—such as weather, sound, or light intensity—can be expressed analogically, and we have long recorded nature’s changes through this method. However, the greatest drawback of analog methods is the generation of noise, or unwanted interference, during the recording and transmission of information. Anyone who has listened to music on the LP records our elders used to enjoy knows that a faint crackling noise often persists throughout playback. Because noise inevitably accumulates as signals are generated, replicated, and transmitted, its complete elimination is impossible. This limitation of analog technology prompted us to seek clearer methods of information recording.
In contrast, the digital method, which represents and stores information as combinations of 0s and 1s, does not generate noise. Digital technology expresses all information using the binary digits 0 and 1, much like the phrase “all or nothing.” Consequently, there is almost no information loss or distortion during copying and transmission. For example, in the case of old analog broadcasting, video information was transmitted as a continuous signal, often mixed with unwanted noise. However, the transition to digital broadcasting eliminated this noise, enabling viewers to enjoy clearer images. This significance extends beyond mere image quality improvement; it also represents a major advancement in stable information transmission.
Another advantage of the digital method is that storage, replication, and transmission are far simpler and more efficient compared to analog methods. Photographs or LP records recorded analogically inevitably degrade over time, and distortion occurs during the replication process. Conversely, information recorded on digital media like CDs or USB drives can be easily copied, and the original quality is maintained even after multiple reproductions. Thanks to these characteristics, digital information can be delivered simultaneously and rapidly to many people today. With the widespread adoption of computers and smartphones, we have placed digital information at the center of our lives.
However, even as digital methods dominate, there is a recent movement to rediscover the unique charm inherent in analog technology. Ironically, digitalization has made people begin to yearn for the distinctive emotional resonance and profound experiences offered by analog. Several years ago, the Russian government purchased 20 vintage typewriters to prevent hacking, and as more people sought ‘real music’ without lossy compression, LP sales also increased. In fact, according to Rolling Stone magazine, LP sales in the US in 2014 rose by 52% compared to the previous year.
The essence of analog technology lies in accumulated experience and sensory know-how. Equipment like speakers or camera lenses operates analogically, making long-honed technical expertise essential. This delicacy inherent in analog technology represents a sensory element that digital technology cannot easily replicate. Just as a sandwich from a popular fast-food restaurant feels different from one made at home, science and technology should also move towards providing users with emotional satisfaction rather than merely pursuing efficiency and speed.
While technology brings us many benefits as it advances, digitization is not a universal solution to all problems. We must continue to contemplate how science and technology can foster a sense of familiarity with humanity and how crucial analog sensibilities truly are.
