Today we discussed technology in regards to culture.  Culture meaning: social organisations, traditions, art, religion etc.  And technology mediums such as: writing, print, radio, cinema, TV and internet.  Not all cultures have access to certain technologies, so we looked at what technology impacts the way we live.  Social progression is determined (particularly in the 21st century) by technology.

We spoke about technological determinism through examples of Netflix and similar streaming services.  Netflix releases seasons at a time which results in cultural impacts including binge watching, degrading communal watching and breaks down TV and broadcasting.  Netflix is creating an isolation and profoundly impacting our communication skills.

Pros of Technological determinist perspective:

• We are able to see technologies as individual mediums

Cons of Technological determinist perspective:

• Thinking that specific technology will shape the current way-of-life-  doesn’t consider who technology is available to or what other forms of technology are still being used
• Creates technology as isolated- the context of the technology may be ignored thus degrading it’s impact on society
• Reduces the cultural and technological relationship

On the other hand, Cultural materialism provides an opposing view to technological determinist. For example, the Internet as technology especially in North Korea has had severe censorship occur.  The intranet in North Korea and the limiting the Internet has become a completely different experience for the citizens of North Korea compared to what you and I experience.

Pros of cultural materialism:

• This idea sees the relationship between technology and those who use it
• Identifies the diversity of technology

Cons of cultural materialism:

• Suggestion that culture has a certain power over technology
• Cultural materialism only considers cultural factors but doesn’t consider individuals

A thought that overcomes the issues/cons regarding technological determinist thought and cultural materialism is Poststructuralism.  Poststructuralism created a more realistic approach to technology e.g. Facebook releasing ‘reactions’ to to status updates.  We now have a more realistic and emotional connection to technology.  Poststructuralism recognises:

• Technology is multi-faceted
• Technology has limits
• Technology is open to change
• Technology is encompassing and embodying