I got to thinking since my last post…
If technology impacts communication, and its contexts, then logically speaking, wouldn’t culture be impacted? But I didn’t think impacted would be the correct word to use in this case.
If you broadly define culture as a web of meanings- then technology’s role is defined as such: a catalyst for development and change throughout human development and knowledge production.
It’s not one-sided: culture and technology co-influence each other.
With the contexts in mind, consider the intersections and impacts, as discussed in the previous post. For example, if a child moves away from their family’s hometown, there may still be expectations to keep in constant contact depending on cultural influence. Technology makes it easier to stay in touch than ever before via phone calls, video conferencing and social media, even if the child is in another country.
Another example would be confirmation biases and echo chambers on the Internet. It’s natural that we seek topics that interest us- relative to our beliefs, customs, habits and values. Technology via algorithms and filter bubbles will mimic our searches and display content to our liking or something very similar. Instead of showing us diverse or from another perspective, we’re under the impression that our meanings are reinforced or “confirmed.”
As long as technology has existed, so has culture, and consider how different the world would look if there was no migration, no texts or no exchange of ideas. Even if you considered ideas that are the “opposite” of technology, such as nature, spirituality or human biology, we are fully aware of their existence through a means of knowledge production. There are certainly moments where we can separate ourselves from it, but it’s ever-present.
Technology also challenges the cultural norm which is why it can be considered questionable, dangerous and heretical. As the centuries have passed, technology has gotten more sophisticated, and it can be difficult to determine what’s “real” or manufactured including objects, ideas, environments, animals and humans. This specific topic is getting more attention as artificial intelligence can mimic, craft and share its outputs.
Overall, the intersection of culture and technology will always be connected as long as humans continue to exist. It’s fascinating how it’s evolved over time and how it will look five, ten, twenty, fifty and one hundred years from now.
Reflect on the following:
-What are ways in which technology has been challenged by cultural norms?
-Do you think technology offers solutions to ease geopolitical tensions, such as opening communication channels and intercultural learning?
-What role could artificial intelligence play in intercultural learning?