What changes are being attributed to technology?.
This assignment asks you to demonstrate your understanding of the frameworks of the relationship between society and technology discussed in class. You are to find an example of technological determinism and use one of the other two frameworks to critique this example.
Task 1: Find an example of technological determinism in a news article, an advertisement, or a commercial. Either print the article to a pdf file, or capture the image (if you find an image), or provide a link to video if you select a video as your example. Attach your example to your assignment submission.
Task 2: Write 1 paragraph that defines technological determinism and justifies how your example demonstrates this perspective. What changes are being attributed to technology? How is technology being described as the main cause of social change?
Task 3: Drawing from your knowledge of the other frameworks presented in class, social construction of technology or mutual shaping, propose three counterarguments to the logic of technological determinism in your example. These arguments should show that technology is NOT the only force driving the changes described. Identify social, economic, and cultural factors that are not stated in your example, but that would be necessary for the changes in your example to take place. You may list these counterarguments as bullet points, but you must also give a 3-5 sentence explanation of how each social, cultural, and economic factor is a necessary component of the described social change.
Task 4: Write 3-5 sentences speculating why you think the author used the framework of technological determinism. What does it help him or her achieve?
What changes are being attributed to technology?
