Most people believe that we have complete control over the technology we have developed. But, do we, really? In chapter three of The Shallows, by Nicholas Carr, the debate between determinists and instrumentalists is introduced. Determinists, such as Karl Marx, believe that our essential role is to generate more tools for machines until they are capable of reproducing new technology on their own. Basically, as Ralph Waldo Emerson states, "Things are in the saddle / And ride mankind." This concept is accepted by some, but most people choose not to believe it, simply because they don't want to admit that we serve technology.
On the other hand, instrumentalists, like David Sarnoff, believe that technology had absolutely no control over us, at all. Instrumentalists devalue the power of technology and conclude that "It is a means for communication and transportation over space, and nothing more" -James Carey.
Instrumentalism is much more accepted by the public because it is what we would prefer to be true.
Both sides of the argument have very strong points. Instrumentalists seem to have the better argument because it does seem as though we have complete control over technology. We decide whether we want to use the computer or not. The decision is ours.
But, on the other hand, the determinists seem to have some very strong points as well. Even though we might have power over whether we use technology or not, we have had no power in how fast the technological process has progressed. It is obvious that many of our daily routines include many technological tools such as clocks, computers, phones, transportation, etc.
Are you an intrumentalist or determinist?
Is it possible that technology does have control over mankind or is this just an excuse for the time lost due to the technology we use evey day?
What will happen to our businesses and jobs if one day technology achieves the power to reproduce tools on its own?
As Nicholas Carr states in his novel, "Sometimes our tools do what we tell them to do. Other times, we adapt ourselves to our tools' requirements."
Being an instrumentalist, I doubt that it's the tools are controlling us. It’s pretty interesting that our tools have now become delights. However, that’s as far as they will get. It may seem that way because we see modern delights such as phones, computers, and TV are becoming more popular. They can only carry only appeal, and it’s people who give technology. Of course, technology will influence our lives, but we have to realize that we are masters of our own destinies. If we made a good attempt to break the addictive technologies, I’m sure we will realize that it isn’t that bad without electronic delights.
ReplyDeleteBefore that can happen though, we have to learn two reasons why we love to use our media technologies. First, people love to feel socially connected to others. People need to learn how to be either secure with themselves or stop boasting. The second reason is that we find that it’s very convenient to use the internet and cell phones. We need to make ourselves believe that communicating personally. By realizing the our problems overcoming them, we will lose the sense of ignorance that makes us think that it’s the technology’s fault.
As an instrumentalist, I strongly believe that we have complete control over our technology. We design and build and program technology to to our bidding and as you said, we decide weather we want to go on the computer or watch tv or make a phone call. I believe that people want to believe that technology is controlling us instead of the other way around because they're afraid of the rapid progress in technology we are making. But in my opinion, progress is good especially progress in technology because technological progress gives people the means to help and save lives. So no, technology does not and will not have controll over us.
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