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Cultural norms are shaped by the technologies we embrace from "summary" of Technopoly by Neil Postman

Neil Postman explores the intricate relationship between technology and culture, suggesting that the technologies we choose to adopt have a significant impact on the norms and values of society. He argues that as new technologies emerge, they bring about changes in the way people think, communicate, and interact with one another. These changes, in turn, shape the cultural norms that govern our behavior. Postman emphasizes that technology is not neutral - it carries with it a set of values and assumptions that influence how we perceive the world. For example, the invention of the printing press revolutionized communication by making it possible to mass-produce books and disseminate information widely. This technology played a key role in the development of modern education and the spread of knowledge, ultimately shaping the cultural norms around literacy and intellectual discourse. Similarly, the rise of television as a dominant form of entertainment in the 20th century had profound effects on cultural norms and values. Television's visual and auditory nature transformed the way people consumed information and shaped their understanding of reality. The rapid pace of television programming and the emphasis on visual stimulation led to a shift towards more passive forms of entertainment, influencing how people spent their leisure time and interacted with one another. Postman argues that as societies become more reliant on certain technologies, they begin to prioritize efficiency, speed, and convenience over other values. This shift can have far-reaching consequences for cultural norms, as people become accustomed to instant gratification and quick fixes. In a technopoly, where technology reigns supreme, these values are perpetuated and reinforced, leading to a society that prioritizes technological progress above all else.
  1. Postman's exploration of the relationship between technology and culture highlights the ways in which the technologies we embrace shape our values, beliefs, and behaviors. By understanding the impact of technology on society, we can better assess the cultural norms that govern our lives and make informed decisions about the technologies we choose to embrace.
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Technopoly

Neil Postman

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