Feb 26-Knowledge on technological determinism theory

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Questions and Answers

Which theory suggests that technology is the driving force behind societal change?

Social constructivism

Cultural relativism

Technological determinism (correct)

Economic liberalism

What does technological determinism assume about technological change?

It occurs independently of social, economic, and cultural factors (correct)

It is shaped by individual beliefs

It is controlled by political ideologies

It aligns with religious doctrines

How does the internet contribute to societal equality according to the text?

By providing access and power to everyone (correct)

By supporting only the wealthy individuals

By promoting discrimination

By limiting access to specific groups

Why does the document mention that the truth can be disseminated more widely through the internet?

To highlight the role of digital sharing in spreading accurate information Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of society does the internet's promises aim to challenge?

Digital divide between individuals Signup and view all the answers

Which factor hinders the fulfillment of the promises made by the internet?

Widening global gap between rich and poor Signup and view all the answers

Why do a few powerful companies pose a challenge to the internet's promises?

Because they control outsized influence Signup and view all the answers

What is the concept of 'New technologies, old mythologies' as discussed in the document?

The rapid integration of major inventions into society causing significant social change. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of technological determinism involves refining societal explanations without solely relying on technology?

Descriptive Signup and view all the answers

What is the core idea behind the Justificatory type of technological determinism?

Belief that technology will improve our condition. Signup and view all the answers

How is the Methodological type of technological determinism similar to the Information Society approach?

By analyzing societies based on available technologies. Signup and view all the answers

According to the Wyatt article, what does Normative technological determinism suggest?

Society should adopt significant technologies for favorable outcomes. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of technological determinism oversimplifies the structure of information revolutions?

Justificatory Signup and view all the answers

In what way does Descriptive technological determinism differ from Methodological?

Descriptive refines societal explanations without solely relying on technology, while Methodological analyzes societies based on available technologies. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Technological Determinism

Technological determinism is a theory that suggests technology drives societal change, implying that technological progress leads to social progress.
It assumes that technological change occurs outside of social, economic, and cultural forces, and that the "best" technology inevitably prevails.

Promises of the Internet

The internet promises to equalize society by giving everyone access and power, allowing all citizens to participate more fully.
It is believed to make it harder for falsehoods to prevail as the truth can be more widely disseminated.
The internet is also supposed to reduce the use of physical resources as information can be shared digitally.

Challenges to the Promises of the Internet

The global gap between the rich and poor is widening despite internet access.
The cost and access to computing technology still remain in the hands of a few.
A handful of powerful companies have outsized influence over the internet.
Internet technologies are still resource-intensive, requiring power and materials like coltan.

New Technologies, Old Mythologies

The concept refers to the recurring belief that each generation's major inventions rapidly integrate into society and cause significant social change.
This belief is an example of technological determinism, oversimplifying the complex structure of information revolutions.

Types of Technological Determinism

Justificatory: The belief that technology will improve our lives.
Descriptive: Scholars refining their approach to explain societal changes without solely relying on technology.
Methodological: Analyzing societies by describing the technologies available to them, akin to the Information Society approach.
Normative: The idea that some technologies are so significant that society should adopt them and hope they continue to work in our favor.

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Description

Test your knowledge on technological determinism theory which explains how technology influences societal change and progress. Explore the concept that technological advancements lead to social advancements and the belief that the best technology will always prevail.