Communications and Media

    We live in a modern society that is highly influenced by the rapid and unprecedented advancement in the field of science and technology. The technological advances undoubtedly render convenience and necessary improvements in the society. Moreover, the technologies are currently integrated in our lifestyle and have greatly transformed our world view. The  history of endless progress  according to Leo Marx in his article entitled  Does Improved Technology Means Progress  implies the achievement of political and social liberation. This idea views the utilization of science and technologies as a means of attaining a comprehensive transformation in the social setting. As a product of the era of political revolution, the idea is to transform the inherent society in a new community. The idea encourages various optimistic views and expectations. However, social consensus and agreement of the status quo are valued by the government and hinder these aspirations (Marx, 1987).

    By the turn of the eighteenth century, America was already gaining momentum in its progress toward industrialization. With the further development of industrial capitalism, a new definition of technological progress emerged in the United States, and the country celebrated the advancement in science and technology. Thus, with the emergence of technocracy, technocrats slowly dominated the country. Technocrats are a group of individuals enjoying superior intellectual, social, andor economic status. With the popularity of different technologies, these experts have been vital in the society since the 18th century. The technocratic view of progress largely differs from the political vision of progress that was adopted during the early years. Technocratics view progress as  valued improvements in power, efficiency, rationality as ends in themselves  (Marx, 1987, p. 36). It highly advocates sufficiency in scientific and technological innovation as the foundation of general progress. If we can ensure the supply in science-based technologies, the social, political and economic conditions of the society will eventually follow. Turning our heads to the Jeffersonian view, it states the social, political and economic status of life will pave the way to progress (Marx, 1987).

    One of the examples of the application of technocratic view in the modern society is the invention and innovation of communication tools and technologies. The continuous advancement of these technologies has paved the way for better communication, minimized the conflict and miscommunication, further strengthened peoples relationship in the society. The concept of technological progress slowly transformed from being perceived as liberation to political oppression to science and technology a sufficient and reliable basis for progress.

    According to Jennifer Daryl Slack and J. McGregor Wise (2007), technological determinism is based on two assumptions.  First, the values, feelings, beliefs and practices of the culture is based on the technologies being developed and the changes in the culture result in changes of technology  (Slack  Wise, 2007). The authors explained that technological determinism defines the way in which people understand and act in the relationship between technology and culture. For example, the changes in our modes of communication which became the latest trend in the society resulted from the invention and innovation of communication tools and gadgets. Thus, the culture of modern age is influenced by technology. In fact, the current culture is going online with the aid of computers and the Internet.  Cultural determinism, on the other hand, explained that the culture in which we are raised determines who we are in the emotional and behavioral aspects. It also states that the environmental influences greatly dominate biologically inherited traits in shaping a persons behavior and how he or she acts within the society. Stereotypes are often the product of cultural determinism. For example, Filipinos are widely known for their hospitability. This trait cannot be transferred genetically however, it is part of the customs and social or cultural norms of the Filipino society. Members of the society often develop traits through observation and teaching of the elders. To cite another example, part of the Japanese culture is being on time. This is also a trait that cannot be genetically-transferred however, environmental influences encourage the adoption of this trait.