Over the last few decades, technology has advanced and continuously changed the way individuals contribute to society. From flip phones to smart phones, desktop computers to tablets, the advancements in these devices not only save us time in our day to day lives, they are also the reason we forget to acknowledge the non-technical objects that still surround us. Books, shopping carts and clocks have been replaced by iPods, touch screen watches and the “click to checkout” button. Most children now grow up learning how to swipe to unlock a tablet, before they learn how to grab and throw a ball. Keeping up with all the new kinds of technologies that are released every year consumes plenty of time and energy from the average individual. They demand
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Throughout their lives, they were criticized for their work being a form of technological determinism, which was the argument that “their work was based on the premise that social, cultural, and psychological changes were a direct result of changes in technology” (McCarron). A couple of the famous arguments that were considered determinist include the argument that the book encourages privacy and individualism, and the automobile, by making everyone mobile, had the effect of making next-door neighbours into strangers. My contribution to discussion 2 clearly outlines my view on McLuhan’s theories in that I strongly stand by his argument that automobiles had the effect of making next-door neighbours into strangers. In the time period our grandparents and even great-grandparents grew up, it is safe to say it was almost forced upon them to interact with people in their neighbourhood and community. Whereas nowadays, it is much more possible to have closer ties with someone that lives halfway around the world, due to the advancement of technology. Thus, as determinist as these views may seem, they are accurate in terms of how much technological advancement has changed society, whether that may be in a positive or negative …show more content…
There essentially is not a thing that a computer cannot do. With this powerful gadget - and the help of its best friend, the internet - we have the ability to connect with people from all over the world, download movies, books, tv shows, help us write our research papers and shop online. Computers allow us to download books, which ultimately decreases the value of hard copy books and the experience of exploring a local library or bookstore. They grant us the ability to order products online, which in turn decreases the need to go to a physical standing store to make a purchase. As much as these functions are undeniably convenient, we forget that there is a world outside of the four walls of our homes. This is due to the device that allows us access to the world without having to move a muscle, besides the ones in our hands that are used to type and scroll. It has come to the point where individuals are dependent on their tech-devices, and would not know what to do without them. In fact, “some studies have suggested that excessive dependence on [technology] and the Internet is akin to an addiction” (Parker-Pope 1). This goes to show that while we may not be aware of how dependent we are on these devices, we could very well be developing an addiction to them. Despite the fact, that is not to say that computers are harmful in all aspects. They can definitely be used for educational purposes,
Throughout their lives, they were criticized for their work being a form of technological determinism, which was the argument that “their work was based on the premise that social, cultural, and psychological changes were a direct result of changes in technology” (McCarron). A couple of the famous arguments that were considered determinist include the argument that the book encourages privacy and individualism, and the automobile, by making everyone mobile, had the effect of making next-door neighbours into strangers. My contribution to discussion 2 clearly outlines my view on McLuhan’s theories in that I strongly stand by his argument that automobiles had the effect of making next-door neighbours into strangers. In the time period our grandparents and even great-grandparents grew up, it is safe to say it was almost forced upon them to interact with people in their neighbourhood and community. Whereas nowadays, it is much more possible to have closer ties with someone that lives halfway around the world, due to the advancement of technology. Thus, as determinist as these views may seem, they are accurate in terms of how much technological advancement has changed society, whether that may be in a positive or negative …show more content…
There essentially is not a thing that a computer cannot do. With this powerful gadget - and the help of its best friend, the internet - we have the ability to connect with people from all over the world, download movies, books, tv shows, help us write our research papers and shop online. Computers allow us to download books, which ultimately decreases the value of hard copy books and the experience of exploring a local library or bookstore. They grant us the ability to order products online, which in turn decreases the need to go to a physical standing store to make a purchase. As much as these functions are undeniably convenient, we forget that there is a world outside of the four walls of our homes. This is due to the device that allows us access to the world without having to move a muscle, besides the ones in our hands that are used to type and scroll. It has come to the point where individuals are dependent on their tech-devices, and would not know what to do without them. In fact, “some studies have suggested that excessive dependence on [technology] and the Internet is akin to an addiction” (Parker-Pope 1). This goes to show that while we may not be aware of how dependent we are on these devices, we could very well be developing an addiction to them. Despite the fact, that is not to say that computers are harmful in all aspects. They can definitely be used for educational purposes,