Here are some questions and answers that may help you better ask questions here at DTA. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to comment, and we'll do our best to answer them.
Q. What does "media effects" mean? And "technological effects" for that matter?
A. The term "media effects" refers to the ways in which media, particularly mass media (TV, film, Internet, radio and print) affect their audiences. Study of this topic academically usually happens in the fields of psychology, sociology, and media theory.
"Technological effects" follows in the same vein, however it branches out further and typically looks at what the effects of post-industrial technologies are in society, culture, moral behavior, government, economics and so forth. Some studies of technological effects go back further addressing such developments as the clock and the printing press.
Q. What is "technological optimism?"
A. At its most basic level, technological optimism is exactly what it sounds like - a positive view towards any and all new technological developments, and an overarching support of scientific and technological "advancement" as the inevitable and most beneficial path for both society and humanity.
Its counterparts are "technological moderates" and "technological pessimists," sometimes referred to as Luddites, or neo-Luddites.
Q. What is a Luddite, or neo-Luddite?
A. The term Luddite refers back to a populist rebellion during Britain's industrial revolution. Under the supposed "leadership" of Ned Ludd, several different groups of frustrated citizens smashed looms, feeling that the shift from small local weavers to factories was destroying both their livelihood, their way of life and their communities. A neo-Luddite is someone who has concerns about the effects of technology (and often specifically computer and media technology) on culture, society, morals, economics, government, etc.
No comments:
Post a Comment