Questions and Answers
Which theory suggests that technology is the driving force behind societal change?
Technological determinism
What does technological determinism assume about technological change?
It occurs independently of social, economic, and cultural factors
How does the internet contribute to societal equality according to the text?
By providing access and power to everyone
Why does the document mention that the truth can be disseminated more widely through the internet?
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What aspect of society does the internet's promises aim to challenge?
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Which factor hinders the fulfillment of the promises made by the internet?
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Why do a few powerful companies pose a challenge to the internet's promises?
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What is the concept of 'New technologies, old mythologies' as discussed in the document?
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Which type of technological determinism involves refining societal explanations without solely relying on technology?
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What is the core idea behind the Justificatory type of technological determinism?
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How is the Methodological type of technological determinism similar to the Information Society approach?
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According to the Wyatt article, what does Normative technological determinism suggest?
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Which type of technological determinism oversimplifies the structure of information revolutions?
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In what way does Descriptive technological determinism differ from Methodological?
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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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