Technology and Culture

Technically Responsible

   Technology has always existed within culture- however simplistic. The 19th and 20th centuries have experienced a much more accelerated form of advancement that has created some controversial issues. Many people have the feeling that technology is progressing too quickly simply because the general population's education is not keeping up with the ever-increasing growth rate. In my opinion the amazing opportunities that technology has provided us outweigh the negative effects. As technology advances the focus should be on proper management so that efficiency isn't hampered by environmental and mental pollution.

   Economist John Steele Gordon points out that "It was the cheap automobile, far beyond any other invention, that transformed the daily life of the nineteenth century into that of the twentieth, especially in America, a country that loves its cars almost as much as it loves its liberty." Without the car, we would not have the social ability, feminine power, suburbs, financial credit system, and quick construction rate that is seen in present day America. The invention of the car engine was essentially the basis for modern technology. Cars have allowed for more human connection, the ability to complete more tasks in one day, gain access to more information, and produce things more quickly. These benefits are the same as with the invention of the internet. With similar benefits comes the similar pollution seen in both commodities. With a proper system for handling these downfalls people could constitute a truly productive world.

    The Luddites initiated a new way of thinking about technology that has set a good example for how present day people should question technology. Luddites "...recognized all the astonishing new benefits the Industrial Revolution conferred, but they also worried, as Carlyle put it in 1829, that technology was causing a 'mighty change' in their 'modes of thought and feeling. Men are grown mechanical in head and in heart, as well as in hand.'" Although the Luddites did not support the way in which new technology had been introduced into their culture, they did understand that technology could benefit people under the right circumstances. The Luddites- as with many people in the present day- questioned how technology would affect us, and fought against the possible bad consequences. By so easily smashing technology, the Luddites emphasized the contrast between what a human can do and what technology means. I think that the Luddites set a good basic example: that we should question how technology will affect our lives and do so in a recognizable way. Nowadays we should set ourselves apart from technology at times so that we can still note how we are without it. If we are not aware of how technology can affect us then bad things can happen.

   The "Post Human" chapter in author Kalle Lasn's Culture Jam describes the all-too-familiar inability to have a healthy relationship with technology. There may not be many official studies on the effects of technology, but problems certainly become apparent when you see someone displaying characteristics comparable to those who are addicted or insane. As the use of technology increases, more and more people are joining the virtual world and leaving reality behind. Insecurity and emptiness is being covered up with the anonymity that is offered through the use of technology. Whether the distraction is surfing the Internet aimlessly or taking on a new identity, eventually overuse or misuse of technology either brings out unhealthy qualities or makes a person a little less genuinely human. As someone who has personally experienced the side effects which Lasn describes, I agreed that the use of technology easily becomes an addiction. It is my hope that much more research will be done on the topic so that people can learn to manage technology sensibly.

   In developed countries the use of technology has infiltrated everyone's lives- even those in their 60's and 70's. Technology has allowed for convenience that is reshaping ordinary life. Without the internet I would not be able to take online classes, organize my travels, or obtain much of the information that I use in my everyday life. I'll admit that the possibility for increased inequality with the use of technology is a real one, (as price tags are placed on knowledge and physical ability) but I think that it is somewhat unavoidable. I understand that it is hard to imagine life without technology and I don't think that people should try to- they should just embrace it.  

   I'm personally very interested in protecting earth's environment and preserving the personal experience that typically comes with being human. I feel that the truth about the effects of technology is being suppressed and I hope that people will continue to fight for their right to know. Technology does have the ability to connect us, and I think that if people can keep a balance between the real and virtual world then humanity will thrive. Educating people about all aspects of technology is key in order to instill appreciation, awareness, responsible action.

Works Cited:

"Culture Jam": Post Human Chapter by Kalle Lasn

"Engine of Liberation" by John Steele Gordon

"What the Luddites Really Fought Against" by Richard Conniff

Image by Jon Eng via Sustainable Futures