The Relationship Between Technology and Society
Often, technologists see their work as a means of solving problems. However, there is an important distinction between technology and problem-solving. Firstly, the definition of a problem is up to the person who is solving it. Next, the problem-solving process is preceded by the decision-making process.
In other words, technology is not an independent object. Rather, it is a part of an activity that is changing our culture. Generally, technology aims to make things easier for people. But, it is also important to understand how it works.
A single piece of technology usually falls into six different categories. These categories are based on its purpose, the scale of the technology, and the way it intervenes between the scales.
Some technologies, such as the printing press and the telephone, reduce physical barriers to communication. Others, such as the internet, allow people to communicate more easily. The internet also enables new subcultures to develop.
As technologies are becoming more complex, their relationships to larger contexts are also evolving. These changes can lead to unexpected consequences.
One example is the eco-village movement. It emerged in response to concerns about the use of appropriate technology. The movement’s aim is to mitigate the societal impacts of technological change.
Another example is the study of the Internet of Things. The study of the Internet of Things has become a research field in its own right.
Similarly, there is a growing concern about the emergence of “new Luddites” who argue that the use of new technologies should not be allowed. These new Luddites seek to protect societal values from the influence of technology.