Draw from the sociotechnical debate to discuss the emergence of two technologies - one developed before 1920 and one after - using two concepts from the module
INTRODUCTION
Technologies can be considered as structural constraints. Similar to all structures human beings have created, they can limit or enable human actions. Technology can be defined as the creation, adaptation, usage and comprehension of mostly machines which are known to make life better and assist in solving a problem (Wright, 2008). In addition to that, technology is also used to perform a specific function. The use of technology by human beings can be dated back when they began creating simple tools from natural resources. From using fire to prepare their food which led to the increase of food production to the use of the wheel which aided in moving from one place to another and environmental controlling, human beings are known to use technology to their advantage. Recent technology for instance the internet, the printing press and the mobile phone have made communication easier. It has enabled human beings to be able to communicate and interact freely within the global boundaries (Wright, 2008).
Beyond this common role of technology and its mechanism, technology usually varies. Two vital phases of technology development are what can be termed as ‘traditional technology’ which was invented before 1920 and ‘modern technology’ which has been invented past 1920. In discussing the emergence of technology drawing it from the social, technical debate, this paper will focus more on the technological advancements witnessed in the mass media or the printing press. In addition to that, this paper will make reference to technological and social determinism.
Technology, before the rise of computers, can be considered as belonging to the traditional era of technology. At that time, mass media typically involved the use of one to many receivers; the receivers were anonymous; the communication channels were one way, and lastly there was an evident difference between the producers and the receivers. Some of the technology being used for instance the telephone
Technologies can be considered as structural constraints. Similar to all structures human beings have created, they can limit or enable human actions. Technology can be defined as the creation, adaptation, usage and comprehension of mostly machines which are known to make life better and assist in solving a problem (Wright, 2008). In addition to that, technology is also used to perform a specific function. The use of technology by human beings can be dated back when they began creating simple tools from natural resources. From using fire to prepare their food which led to the increase of food production to the use of the wheel which aided in moving from one place to another and environmental controlling, human beings are known to use technology to their advantage. Recent technology for instance the internet, the printing press and the mobile phone have made communication easier. It has enabled human beings to be able to communicate and interact freely within the global boundaries (Wright, 2008).
Beyond this common role of technology and its mechanism, technology usually varies. Two vital phases of technology development are what can be termed as ‘traditional technology’ which was invented before 1920 and ‘modern technology’ which has been invented past 1920. In discussing the emergence of technology drawing it from the social, technical debate, this paper will focus more on the technological advancements witnessed in the mass media or the printing press. In addition to that, this paper will make reference to technological and social determinism.
Technology, before the rise of computers, can be considered as belonging to the traditional era of technology. At that time, mass media typically involved the use of one to many receivers; the receivers were anonymous; the communication channels were one way, and lastly there was an evident difference between the producers and the receivers. Some of the technology being used for instance the telephone
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