Social Determinism And Social Construction Of Technology

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Recommended: Impact of technology on society

Kace Massner
March 23, 2017
JMC: 1500:0A07
Melissa Tully
Case Study
Technological determinism and social construction of technology are both similar but different. Viewing social media, there is evidence to support both theories even though they are contrasts of each other. Many argue for both theories and Tumblr is a great topic for arguing both theories. Through several articles and discussions, much of the evidence point towards technological determinism.
Technological determinism is a theory composed by Thorstein Veblen, an American economist and sociologist. It is a theory believed to connect technology and cultural value. This theory presumes that technology advances the evolving of society’s social structure and cultural values. The opposing theory is social construction of technology. Social constructivists dispute that human society and cultural actions form technology. Simply, technological determinism is saying that technology is shaping society, and social construction of society is saying …show more content…

As a culture that finds importance in information, we have created technology that aids in this process of obtaining and sharing information and knowledge. With the use of the internet and social media, like Tumblr, it is easy to share this information with others around the world. Without the invention of technology like this, millions of people would be extremely limited on news, knowledge, and other information. For example, Tumblr has helped artists connect with companies for business. “organizations that will help connect them with brands and other organizations that want Tumblr artist content in their ads and marketing” (Issie Lapowsky). Because of societies expectation to be successful, it has shaped technology to be used as another business opportunity to make money. This is an example of how society and culture effects the use of

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