CMN 2101 Lecture Notes - Lecture 9: Mark Zuckerberg, Judy Wajcman, Langdon Winner
5 Mar 2016
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Document Summary
Do media/tech act upon society from outside? o! These technologies have had a profound impact on the culture and society. Definition: an (overstated) belief in the inherent value, power and autonomy of technology. Vs. social / cultural determinism: belief that technology is direct result of human intentions / action. Guns don"t kill people; people do". o! o! And monkeys do too (if they"ve got a gun)". We"re responsible for, but also constrained and empowered by, technology. Tension between technological and social / cultural determinism. Determinism is not a theory; it is usually implicit in discourse: Popular discourse on technology: information and views conveyed by the media on changes happening now. New media & tech = change things in and of themselves. Technology doesn"t invent, develop, promote and use itself! Success stories: accounts of exceptional, bright, crafty individuals. Heroic or genius inventor" (mackenzie & wajcman 1999) Specific date: flash of genius", moment of inspiration".
