Making New Media Make Sense Summary

This article discusses two different viewpoints on technology and society. “Technological determinism” outlines the effect that technology has had on society, and how it has shifted our culture, for better or worse. To sum it up, machines change us. “Social construction technology” is the inverse; people have the power. This theory states that humans are the catalyst to change, and we shape technology into what it is. In both of these terms, humans and technology evolve into something they weren’t previously. The middle ground between these two perspectives is “social shaping”, and acts as hybrid interplay between the evolution of society and technology.

In the chapter, Baym mentions the productive nature of communication about technology. This sparks new meaning for technologies, as well as new uses, and the innovation of new technologies altogether. However, with the introduction of new, foreign technologies in our lives, its effects are strongest due to our misunderstanding of it. “Rather than using it, people may be used by it” (Fischer, 1992:12).

This chapter also mentions some of the societal effects technology has on our lives, and whether being connected to a global network is truly connecting people in a meaningful way. It also raises the idea of anonymity and privacy. Being in a virtual environment with someone is far different than physically being with someone. Virtual identity raises confusion whether it is intentionally altered or not. Social media acts as our virtual identity, but it is subject only to what we want it to be perceived as. Technological determinism focuses on the connections humans have built amongst each other with the help of technology. Although some of these technologies may be dividing us, it underlines the human needs for connection, and trust amongst individuals.

In contrast to technological determinism, social construction of technology shifts the relationship we have with technology. This view states that humans hold the power to shape these technologies into what they are. The example of texting is a good descriptor. Although these students had phones, they did not realize what texting was until it was implemented into society. The phone isn’t necessarily innovative technology, but the way we use the technology we already have shifted as a result of human influence.

The domestication of technology poses an interesting point about how we view technology. Modern technology would be considered science fiction to our ancestors. Society views this technology as common and invisible, missing the fascinating nature of its very existence. The domestication of technology is prevalent in our society, and technologies are simultaneously enabling and disabling in result.

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