Technopoly: The Surrender of Culture to Technology
Today's American Culture and the culture of many industrialized nations are extremely dependent on technology to carry out daily tasks. Indeed, the advent of the internet and other technological devices has rapidly changed the culture in which we live. A large percentage of Americans have personal computers/laptops, cell phones and PDA's. These devices have changed the manner in which we do business and the internal functioning of the nation's infrastructure. The most apparent change is the manner in which we communicate and interpersonal relationships. Technology has become such a part of our lives that it influences the manner in which we operate. There have been many positive things that have come as a result of the increased use of technology, such as better medical care, and a greater capacity to produce. However, some have argued that this influence has become increasingly negative and has given way to a generation that is void of feeling and the need for interpersonal relationships. In either case, technology is certainly here to stay and will continue to be a major aspect of western culture. The purpose of this discussion is to further explore this topic utilizing Neil Postman's book "Technopol
Postman asserts that the increased use of technology has caused us to abandon human interaction, and as such technology has changed our culture forever. Perhaps if Postman had asserted that the information dispersed via technology can only provide a partial solution to humanities problems, then the argument would be more logical. " The author contends that this notion is nonsense. In many ways, it is a very negative perspective that is asserted throughout the book. In short the author holds the viewpoint that technology has become God in many respects and that people in some ways seek validation from technology. The author also asserts that individuals that tend to deify technology believe that it is the end all be all of life and that technology will be the factor that solves all problems whether they are social or economic. Conclusion This is an extremely valuable issue to discuss. For instance the book seems to be a bit unbalanced and it doesn't demonstrate the progressiveness of technological innovations and the need for many of these innovations. The author also explains that in the past inventions were created to improve our lives in some capacity whether it be through the development of infrastructure or . It is important to recognize that technology is a permanent component in the education of adults and children and as such educators must find effective ways of incorporating technology without destroying the learning process. The author describes technology as "all process" and asserts that it is simply a tool used to move information. On the other hand certain values have been lost because of the nature of the technology that has emerged. As such a new type of social order or culture emerges in which there is a dwindling away of the traditional beliefs of a society. The discussion will also draw conclusions based on the value of this issue and what it contributes to the field of adult education.
Common topics in this essay:
Culture Technology,
American Culture,
Neil Postman's,
manner technology,
author asserts,
interpersonal relationships,
culture industrialized nations,
interpersonal relationships technology,
traditional beliefs,
adult education,
inadequate information,
lack information,
changed culture,
increased technology,
relationships technology,
|
Acceptance Essays
