Harmful of Helpful?

After reading Culture and Technology by Jennifer Slack and John Wise, the reader is forced to examine the entwined nature of culture and technology, as each one shapes the other through growth and expansion. One particular concept that I found very interesting was the idea of progress. The authors write that just because new technologies are invented does not mean that progress has been made. This made me think. I have been conditioned to believe that with more technology in the world, the better off we are. I equated new technologies with progress, and not only progress, but the betterment of society. Before this reading I never thought about how technology does not always mean progress. The authors use the example of email. Slack and Wise discuss how just because our society has email does not make us better.

This led me to question the link between the idea of progress and our culture's belief that America is the superior nation. I asked myself, "Is it because of the technology, and the idea that technology equals progress, that Americans are egocentric?" While this may be farfetched, I think that technology has a lot to do with many American's mindset. Before this reading I did not question the link between technology and progress. From early on, I have been taught the more technology, the better off our society is. I think that with all of the technology, which people equate to progress, is a reason why Americans are egocentric. They believe, just like I once did, that the technological advances are making for a better nation and people. The more America has, the stronger the nation is. While there are other factors that contribute to the nation's belief of superiority, I think that technology is a big factor.

This question continued to make me think. While it may promote egocentrism, technology also allows for many positives outcomes. So, another question was raised; is technology doing more good than bad? This is a very broad and hard question to answer, but I personally think that technology helps, not only America, but the world, in so many ways. As I continued to read on, Robert Nisbet talked about his views on the progress story. Nisbet believes that “change is good and that change promotes a better life” (Slack et.al). I agree with Nisbet’s statement, change is good. Innovations bring about changes and while those changes might not always be beneficial, they allow for people to adapt. People grow from change, it allows for them to progress. When it comes to technological advancements, I feel that these changes create a faster, closer, and opportunistic world. After I read about David Noble’s mother losing her job I became curious about how technology shapes the job market. I was very surprised in what I learned.

Paul Krugman, an American economist, believes that the advancements with technology will actually lower wages and reduce job opportunities. He explains that over time, more jobs will become available, but not right away. In his article, “Does Technology Create Jobs?” Krugman explains how technological advancements increase productivity, but hurt workers. According to his article, people will lose their jobs to technology, and for those who keep their jobs, will begin to make less money. Krugman writes, “prospect of unemployment will drive down wages, and at sufficiently lower wages, employers will find it profitable to offer more jobs after all.” So eventually, there will be more job opportunities, but even then, people will be making less money. I was very surprised to learn this. I think this goes back to how people link technology and progress. While technology does a lot for our society, it is interesting, as well as scary, to learn how harmful it can be, too.