...SOC3116 Notes Why is it useful to ask questions about the role of technology in society? To challenge our complacency We have become accustomed to rely on technology for the basis of communication and information gathering. Want to become aware to the extent of which this is the case Social media vs. traditional media? 1 way vs 2 way communication interaction comes from 2 way communication. The defining characteristic. Environment is critical of the use of technology. Perception of the role of television in society in the 60s and 70s tv became more widespread people though kids became addicted. Neil postman says there is always a tradeoff when it comes to new technologies * as new technologies are introduced there is always some kind of exchange you don’t always just get new technology on top of everything else. * Ex telephone when it was introduced people the viewpoint of having telephones on top of everything else is only true at the beginning. Later on our behaviors change. People don’t visit people or write letters as often * Sometimes the tradeoff is clear there are always tradeoffs the ability to see those depends on how much we are willing to speculate. * It becomes our responsibility to begin to ask ourselves what the tradeoff is * Postman says what benefits some harms others * He is saying that technology is not value neutral technology is like a hammer is a hammer good or bad? Presented as a dichotomy its either good or...
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