Holy Information Technology, Batman!

Author:

Dodge, Steven Charles

Area of Honors:

Information Sciences and Technology

Degree:

Bachelor of Science

Document Type:

Thesis

Thesis Supervisors:

Gerald Santoro, Thesis Supervisor
Gerald Santoro, Thesis Supervisor
Xiaolong Zhang, Thesis Honors Advisor

Keywords:

information technology
Batman
popular culture

Abstract:

Popular culture is a reflection of modern society. Popular culture tells us who we were, who we are, and who we will be – our hopes, dreams, fears, and nightmares. Since his first appearance in Detective Comics #27 in May 1939, Batman has become a towering figure in popular culture appearing in comic books, movies, television shows, newspaper strips, video games, and other forms of media. While Batman is known as a superhero, he is not gifted with superhuman powers or abilities. Batman achieves superhuman feats through his use of technology. Therefore, he relates better to his audience since the audience has the same potential to achieve the same feats. Information technology is a major component of the technology that Batman uses to accomplishes his goals. Information technology influences how Batman thinks, how Batman collaborates, and how Batman fights. As information technology has evolved, so too has Batman‘s use of information technology. Information technology has influenced the Batman mythology. In addition, the Batman mythology has influenced information technology through motivating people to pursue careers in information technology, inspiring new information technology innovations, and shaping existing information technology. This bidirectional relationship between information technology and Batman demonstrates the influence of popular culture in modern society.