TECHNOLOGICAL DETERMINISM: ARE WE CONTROLLED OR DO WE OPERATE?
Is technological determinism really a thing? Are our lives really dependent on technology? Technology is everywhere! We are living in a digital age and everything seems to be dependent on the next technological device.
TECHNOLOGICAL DETERMINISM
The view expressed in the theory of technological determinism is that technology is the force that drives society. And contrary to that, some critics believe that technology is simply a by-product of our progressive society. Either way, we must ask the question, are we being controlled by technology or are we the operators?
WE ARE HUMANS! WE HAVE FREE WILL!
We are humans so we must be in control; we are the developers and the directors of technology. For example; As consumers, we influenced the marketers to connect with us in real time. Consequently, they developed apps, created various  social media pages and developed strategies to communicate with us as quickly as possible. This example illustrates that, as a social group, we have the power to direct the changes in advanced technological communication.
TECHNOLOGY HAS CHANGED US!
Yes, society has been altered by technology. We do not have to go to the store or the market anymore; sometimes, it is even more costly to stay home and scroll through a website and purchase 15 outfits that you did not originally need. But, we do it anyway; it is the thing to do! The internet is there, the sites are there, the marketing is excellent so what else must you do? Shop ‘till you drop.
Two of the most discussed topics surrounding the discussion on technological determinism are social media/Internet and digital devices! The latest all media survey by the Marketing Research services, concluded that majority of Jamaicans are consuming more online content. Consequently, traditional media is losing its place, supporting the theory that the way our society operates is affected by technology. The young man, the baby, the boy and the old lady has a smart device in his/her hand. We have become slaves to our digital devices at the expense of our physical human interaction.
Social media has forced us to be socially awkward. We do not communicate with our friends anymore. We prefer to stay home, scroll, like a few pictures and repeat. Ever wondered why we have so many depressed young people?
Our society has changed.