While reading through learning module 2 (ETL401) there was a ‘Think and Reflect’ activity presented in relation to the Information Society.

A major issue relating to this technological perspective of the Information Society is the question of determinism. Who/what is driving technological change? Is it the inhabitants of the landscape or the technology? Has it reached a point where the technology itself drives the agenda or is society in control? Does society determine the rate of change or is society still trying to catch up?

Firstly, determinism?

A belief in the inevitability of causation.”

(Baumeister, R.F., 2009, para. 4)

So, the idea that everything that is going to happen, is going to happen, if that makes sense.

To me, this whole idea is terrifying. That the distinction between societal control of technology and technology’s control over society is blurring. And I suppose a time is coming, inevitably, when the distinction becomes indistinguishable … that is a scary thought!

Maybe I’ve watched The Terminator too many times.

I think that right now society is still in relative control of its technology and we, the inhabitants are driving the change according to how people wish to live – for example, having the latest iPhone or living a second life on social media. However, in some cases, society is still trying to catch up.

I think the world of education is a fine example. In many schools, students aren’t allowed to have their phones out, or even in their pocket. Understandably! Of course there is an appropriate time and place for the use of ICT. Yet, aren’t we trying to prepare students for real life? Real life in an information society means being connected 24/7.

Reference

Baumeister, R.F. (2009, February 15). Just Exactly What is Determinism? [Blog Post]. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/cultural-animal/200902/just-exactly-what-is-determinism