Technology as the Third Replicator

https://www.ted.com/talks/susan_blackmore_on_memes_and_temes?language=en#t-1148591

This is a TED Talk given by Susan Blackmore in 2008. In it she talks about genes, memes, and temes, which are technological memes. In her view (and Richard Dawkins) humans are gene replicating machines. It's the genes that are in charge, and they are using us (unconsciously) to get themselves reproduced.

Memes and temes, as second and third replicators, follow the same process as genes, and use us to get themselves reproduced. But each level has greater and greater danger, with the possibility that the third replicator (temes) will eventually be able to self-replicate, without needing us for that process any longer.

It's a fascinating 19 minutes. If anyone has the time to watch it, I'd like to hear their comments.

@rwingett said
https://www.ted.com/talks/susan_blackmore_on_memes_and_temes?language=en#t-1148591

This is a TED Talk given by Susan Blackmore in 2008. In it she talks about genes, memes, and temes, which are technological memes. In her view (and Richard Dawkins) humans are gene replicating machines. It's the genes that are in charge, and they are using us (unconsciously) to get themselv ...[text shortened]...
It's a fascinating 19 minutes. If anyone has the time to watch it, I'd like to hear their comments.

@rwingett

thanks,
sort of over my head, but, it's late, i'm tired, and i feel like a meme...

@rwingett said
This is a TED Talk given by Susan Blackmore in 2008. In it she talks about genes, memes, and temes, which are technological memes. In her view (and Richard Dawkins) humans are gene replicating machines. It's the genes that are in charge, and they are using us (unconsciously) to get themselves reproduced.