What metaphor should we use to describe how we view technology?

• A. Blank hammer
• B. Tinted glass
• C. Open book
• D. Dark lens

Answer: (B)

We view technology as a lens that colors how we perceive and interpret the world. A tinted glass metaphor captures this well because it suggests that what we see is shaped by the technology we use—the filters, interfaces, platforms, and algorithms that invite certain information and hide other parts from view. This means our judgments, priorities, and even what we think is possible can be influenced by the design and purpose of the technology around us.

Why this fits best: technology isn’t a completely neutral tool; it channels attention and can bias our understanding in subtle or obvious ways. For example, social media feeds tend to highlight content that keeps our attention, which can shape our views; search results and online recommendations prioritize certain information over others; devices present information with particular defaults and color tones that can affect perception. The tinted glass metaphor helps remind us to acknowledge that influence and to examine what we’re seeing through the tech we use.

Why the other options aren’t as fitting: a blank hammer implies technology is an entirely neutral instrument we can use for any purpose, which ignores how tools shape our choices and perceptions. an open book suggests everything is fully transparent and readily interpretable, which isn’t true of technology that often involves hidden biases, algorithms, and constraints. a dark lens conveys a mostly negative distortion, whereas tinted glass acknowledges that technology colors our view without declaring it wholly harmful or purely objective, offering a more balanced way to think about our relationship with tech.