Draw from the sociotechnical debate to discuss the emergence of two technologies - one developed before 1920 and one after - using two concepts from the module

Leo Marx, once a professor at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a Harvard graduate, wrote an article titled “Technology The Emergence of a Hazardous Concept”. In this article, the author explores the modern day definition of the word technology and argues that technology offers too broad of a definition and is ill fitting to describe all technical advancements and their creators. Technology can be defined as the branch of knowledge that deals with the creation and use of technical means and their interrelation with life, society, and the environment, drawing upon such subjects as industrial arts, engineering, applied science, and pure science (dictionary.com). On the other hand, it can

From over ten thousand years ago to what is now the Information Age, technology has grown significantly and affected not just one individual, but the whole world. The creations of technology have rapidly evolved to where humans depend on technology. They use it for their daily needs and this evidence shows these creations are a stepping-stone for future endeavours. The innovations that several people have created revolutionised the world in a major way from a light bulb and crossbows to an airplane and satellites. However, where they are positive results lie potential negative consequences and it becomes conspicuous every day. As humans become more dependent on technology over the years, society becomes interdependent. This indicates that

“Media cannot attract audiences; only content has the power to attract and engage an audience…Without great content, media re transient and perishable…The media are nothing more than a transient pipeline.” (p. 27)

The word technology does not simply mean tools, hardware and software’s, but instead it also signifies art, craft and skills which has been around for decades. We often associate technology with brand new gadgets but it can be argued that technology is as old as humanity because it is a part of what defines us humans. According to Arthur (2009: 215) we fear that technology

In today’s society, technology is something that we see in almost every aspect of our life in some way shape or form. Whether it be for recreational use or work use, technology is present. Technology used to be much smaller than it is today. In the mid-20th century, technological advances began to boom. People in turn realized that computers were the way of the future.

Utilizing the new sensation of technological media, with its instant projection to a broader audience base, can be both advantageous and unfavorable. As media is frequently updating

Raymond Williams on the other hand claims that technology does not shape society as he studies the emergence of technology and comes to the conclusion that is society that has control over technology and determines its uses and ability. Williams argues that technology should not be looked at as a totally different sphere that was separate form human life. Williams argued that technology is a social need in which it was invented. William’s argues against McLuhan’s claims that the forms of technologies are predetermined and says that technology

The media has become a part of us, a part of something that shapes who we are, our desires, and what we expect to have in life. Throughout his book: “Understanding Media Cultures: Social Theory and Mass Communication,” Stevenson Nick asserted that the media has become an extension of who we are, and an extension of what we have become and can

In today's world, the real meaning of technology is not understood and known by all. Technological innovations do not worry people, unless of course, they are done to things we eat or use as medications or ones that affect our lives in any way. Often we do not think of things such as seedless fruits and antibiotics as technology. However, if we look deep into the meaning of technology, it is bought about my human beings and changes the environment so our goals can be met and in such a case even fruits become technology. (Cowan 301-326)

The Nature of Technology is engaging and thought provoking. One drawback of the book is that it’s very repetitive, the same ideas are repeated a lot throughout the book. Other than that, his definitions, distinctions, and logical connections introduce a framework for understanding and thinking about technology and its evolution.

Social determinism (SD), is a direct contradiction to technological determinism. It argues that technology does not determine human action, but that rather, that society does (Green, 2002). Furthermore, that societies values, beliefs, and practices of culture are the cause for technologies development and usage (Green, 2002). So, any changes in culture result in changes in technology. A technology is meant to fulfill a societal need or want, however, it does not require to be one which satisfies the entire culture or society, it could just be a portion (Green, 2002). A major technological development that satisfied a human need (human and societal needs are the same since humans make up society, one is a micro while the other is a macro reference), is assistive technology. Alexander

“A ‘Hard’, simple cause-and-effect technological determinism is not a good candidate for a theory of social change. However, the failure of a ‘hard’ technological determinism does not rule out a ‘soft’ determinism (Smith and Marx, 1994), and to say that technology’s social effects are complex and contingent is not to say that it has no social effects.” - MacKenzie and Wajcman

As humans, we often tout our own superiority with great fervor. After all, our capacity for reason and intellect lets us outshine all other species on Earth. While this truth can cause great pride, such pride often causes us to overlook our greatest flaws. In no other way can such a point be illustrated than the use of technology. Morally neutral in itself, technology can allow for great innovation. After all, it is simply a tool. From the faint blue glow of our smartphones to the high-flying airplanes zooming across the globe, we are surrounded by its merits. Nevertheless, it can also be our downfall. As we take one step forward, we take another step back. How can we evolve when technology chains us?

When it comes to culture and society and its relations to the media, many theorists have come to develop an understanding of how it is that media has changed or is changing our understanding of modern society. The media is commonly known as the different modes of communication, which is the ability to communicate through a specific type of mode in which information has to pass from point A to B. An example of media taking effect is seen in the use of newspapers and how it is used as a medium to inform people of events happening around them. In addition, Marshal McLuhan and Raymond Williams, developed two different theories towards the development and effects of the media. McLuhan explains his theory through his book “The Medium is the Massage”, which explains how the media is the medium for everything we interact with. On the other hand, William rejects McLuhan’s idea through his article “The Technology and Society”. In his article, he states how McLuhan’s theory is in error because his theory gets rid of technology from society rather than explaining how they both interact with each other. However, both of their theories are very important when understanding how media has allowed humans to communicate, interact, and change the world we live in.

Modern life has become accustomed to the use and influence of mass communication. The telegraph, gramophone, radio transmission, and moving images such as television are some of the earliest forms of mass communication that became entangled with various capitalist government regulations and an interpersonal mass audience. In the 1980’s a second media revolution began to emerge with the technological advancements of “digital convergence” which is the ability to access a range of multimedia content across a number media platforms with a number of devices. This essay will discuss whether due to these advancements, is it time the idea of mass communication needs to be re-evaluated, and with the increasing using of multifunctional communication tools, whether or not the mass communication era has ended.