Culture and Technology
Postman
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Culture and Technology
Technology is at the center of human existence. As it continues to change and evolve,
organizations and societies need to adapt accordingly to stay relevant. Technology has become an
essential element of life today; Ellul (1964) discussed its use by totalitarian regimes as an
instrument of control over public opinion. Postman (1993), on the other hand, asserts that
technology itself is a totalitarian regime that controls society. Technology has changed how
humans interact and perceive their environment; misuse and overreliance on technology have
caused disorientation within cultures today and increased humanity's needs.
Humanity seems to lose meaning with each new idea or machine innovation, which has
serious ramifications for academic research. Educational institutions need to recognize how
technology may influence their thinking or questions. Postman (1993) holds that modern
technology is a direct result of our desire to enhance strategic communication effectiveness and
efficiency - something he considers a sign of technological progress.
Postman’s Understanding of Strategic Communication Transformation
Postman (1993) asserts that strategic communication was already present as an invisible
technology when society was still considered to be a tool-using society (Postman 1993). These
invisible technologies have evolved much like any other technology - language is one such
invisible technology that has developed over centuries; its uses in strategic communication vary
considerably; Postman (1993) notes this fact by asserting that language technology depends
heavily on orality authority for its development and usage.
Significance of Technology
Postman (1993), a sociological scholar, described technology as the stage where societies
began searching for truth through philosophy and theology. Postman (1993) defines technology
as the application of scientific methods to manage. Philosophers generally regard religion as
being one of the main sources of power among its adherents. Postman's Theory of Technology
illustrates how science holds more influence than any philosophical or religious system. With
technology coming along came word warfare which has enabled communicators to leverage
Culture and Technology
Postman
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persuasive skills and power of manipulation through strategic communications, thus increasing
cultural and societal literacy.
Postman (1993) asserts that technology serves society best when utilized appropriately.
When utilized effectively, technology can enhance human abilities; misuse can cause
disorientation across cultures. Unfortunately, people use technology improperly today to satisfy
their desire for power; other than this use, however, its purpose remains primarily focused on
positively shaping people's perception of issues and environments; postman's theories focused
solely on this aspect; however, its true benefits have now become known among individuals with
negative intentions who utilize this same technology against both cultures and beliefs with
negative intent.
Relevance of Postman’s Ideas Today
Postman (1993), a sociological scholar, described technology as the stage where societies
began searching for truth through philosophy and theology. Postman (1993) defines technology
as the application of scientific methods to manage. Philosophers generally regard religion as
being one of the main sources of power among its adherents. Postman's Theory of Technology
illustrates how science holds more influence than any philosophical or religious system. With
technology coming along came word warfare which has enabled communicators to leverage
persuasive skills and power of manipulation through strategic communications, thus increasing
cultural and societal literacy.
Postman (1993) asserts that technology serves society best when utilized appropriately.
When utilized effectively, technology can enhance human abilities; misuse can cause
disorientation across cultures. Unfortunately, people use technology improperly today to satisfy
their desire for power; other than this use, however, its purpose remains primarily focused on
positively shaping people's perception of issues and environments; postman's theories focused
solely on this aspect; however, its true benefits have now become known among individuals with
negative intentions who utilize this same technology against both cultures and beliefs with
negative intent.
Culture and Technology
Postman
4
Relevance of Postman’s Ideas Today
Communications have significantly expanded since Postman first wrote his work. Thanks
to humanity's fast pace of technological development, technology has completely revolutionized
communication - as seen by its rapid advancement by Postman himself. Today's communication
tools make it easier for humans to interact - such as Zoom, WebEx, or similar online meeting
options that enable individuals to connect without having to schedule physical meetings in
advance; Postman would likely appreciate seeing how technology has enhanced human
communications.
The science vs Theology Debate continues unabated; science and technology are closely
interlinked and more scientific experiments are taking place nowadays in an attempt to create
more modern ways of living, but most religious institutions still believe theology to be at the
foundation for success while science's practical nature reduces role and existence of sovereign
entity who created the universe and presided over it - this ongoing debate between science,
theology and religion continues to spark public curiosity.
Relevance to the Future of Strategic Communication
Strategic communicators can learn much by reading and understanding Postman's
technological concerns, particularly his self-reflection techniques. Focusing on how
communication technologies (both tangible and intangible) affect communication processes can
provide insight into oneself as a professional communicator or researcher and reflect to see if
their actions were correct; although communicating through various media outlets seems
harmless enough, not every message that has been sent out has been scrutinized as it should have
been.
Technology can help create an objective research study. I will use strategic
communication, as well as multiple linguistic tools, to expand my vocabulary and enhance my
educational abilities. To make an effective argument about the impact of fictional literature today,
it is necessary to analyze various fictional art pieces that are widely acknowledged.
