Technology and the Society

From the Williams article, I learned about how technology should not be viewed as a cause and effect situation where culture and society is seen as a by product of technology. Williams is thus arguing against McLuhan’s idea. Instead, Williams believes that there is a complex interaction between needs and inventions where the latter was intended to fulfill society’s new needs. In other words, technology did not create a new society or new social conditions as McLuhan believed but rather, the changes in society, such as the transformation of industrial development, led to new needs and possibilities which ultimately led to the creation of new technological advancement. In a way, McLuhan’s and Williams’ argument is like the chicken and the egg dilemma.


Personally, the most useful idea that I took from the article lies in the very first paragraph of Williams’ article. He writes, “we have got so used to statements of this general kind, in our most ordinary discussions, that we can fail to realize their specific meaning.” After reading this, it made me think about all the metaphors, phrases, etc I use daily without even thinking about it. I’ve gotten so use to saying things like “ooh I love that dress” or “ooh I love it” that I’ve forgotten the implications behind the word, “love.” I hear the word such much in ordinary life that I fail to think twice before using it.

To tie this back to the class, I started to think about how I often go on to check my Facebook without even thinking about what I am doing. Therefore, it's not only our words but also our actions that we fail to analyze. It's just interesting to think about how when something becomes routine or "ordinary" we fail to look for the specific meanings behind it. Yes, I go on Facebook to check my friends' updates and to post comments etc but is that all I'm doing? Based on all the Facebook articles we've read, of course not! I'm not just uploading new pictures and posting check-ins, I am portraying my identity. I don't know if anyone else finds this interesting but it for sure tripped me out a bit! The article really made me think critically for a minute which is good since I'm often so busy that I fail to connect all the dots in my life.