Critique of Neil Postman-Technolopoly free essay sample

In Chapter 1 of Neil Postman’s Technoloply, Postman believes that technology alters our world because it is controlled by individuals who do not want the rest of the world to know how technology is controlled in an effort to keep the power centralized. Postman also discusses the negativity that technology has taken in our society; this negativity is determined because Postman feels that technology is too open and not controlled enough. In an effort to dissect these claims, you must first get past the lethargic wording in the chapter which seems to be drawn out and ambiguous. However, Postman rationalizes his beliefs by expressing the disadvantages of technology in our society. Although, Postman feels so strongly about how technology has become a burden, he does attempt to raise a few advantages of technology, but it is not enough to be convincing that he sees these as actual advantages to society. Summary: Postman begins this chapter with the story by Plato of Thamus in an effort to illustrate his purpose on speaking about Technology and its destruction. We will write a custom essay sample on Critique of Neil Postman-Technolopoly or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Postman recognizes the value of technology on our society, but just like Thamus, Postman believes that technology should be controlled and limited as he believes that technology is too accessible. That access, as explained by Postman, raises issues with regards to security of identity and on one’s own personal livelihood. Postman goes on to state that technology and computers have in fact damaged our society in a sense that no one other than the creators of technology can control technology. This statement raises the question of whether or not technology can really be controlled. However, Postman does not discuss this belief, he instead leaves this question as a cliff hanger in his argument. Assessment Response: While Postman’s piece is a bit painstakingly boring, in the sense that he rambles on and on to make a point, this makes it very easy to lose focus on the topic at hand. For instance, in the opening of the chapter when he uses the metaphor of Thamus, he does not clearly state the purpose of this until well into the chapter. While the comparison of Thamus and his feelings towards writing may have been somewhat of a comparison, I do not feel it was the best comparison as Postman speaks endlessly about Thamus and his views on writing. Postman does mention some of the advantages but mostly disadvantages of technology in our society. For example, Postman points out how technology has increased the power of major organizations. He uses the armed forces to point out how valuable, resourceful, and indispensable computers and technology have become. Postman does not mention the effects of technology on education and the creation of new jobs as we move forward into the technology age where almost everything is ran by computers. However, Postman does indicates how technology takes away from the human world, by making jobs obsolete, by ending professions that were once prestigious and prevalent, and by intruding on the lives of individuals. Although Postman makes these claims, he does not clearly state the basis behind these claims. I understand many of Postman’s points especially when he states the disadvantages of computers and technology. The internet has become an uncontrollable force that allows identities to be stolen and created, a way to become less sociable and to hide behind a computer. In the sense of the health of society, obesity and diabetes are becoming more prevalent since people do not get out and move anymore. Before technology became so mainstream, physical activity was a daily force because everything was not left at our fingertips. For example, there was no online research, you had to go to the library to get the sources that you needed for research; there was no social networking, you actually went outside and played with your peers; and there was no sending if emails, you actually had to write a letter and go to the post office to mail it. While these circumstances are the case, I find it difficult to sympathize, especially when I see different occupations and specialties being created due to the changing technological world. Whereas I did not grow up with computers, but just introduced, my children are growing up with technology and computers at the forefront. It is becoming a necessity to know and understand the technological age. Postman has not convinced me that technology and computers are evil and destructive to the world, as I see things differently. I see the growing organizations that can now take their businesses globally due to the expansion in technology. I see the clothing industries, for instance, becoming more efficient and advanced by being able to create different looks and cuts and set distribution faster. Although I do agree with Postman that technology does have a lot of negative aspects, I can definitely take the position on saying that I like the changes that technology brings. The advantages of technology far outweigh the disadvantages as they focus on the long term effects. While the disadvantages prove to be disturbing at best, the advantages of technology prove to be more and more impressive as it adds to our society and enhances our culture by allowing us to see beyond our city, state, or country. We now have access to the world, to see different cultures, to experience different aspects of life, to be able to help and provide to those countries that are less fortunate than ours. We now have access to learn about our history, government, to find out about our heritages. These are just a few examples of how technology is moving in a more positive light. These are the types of things Postman did not consider before making his judgment on the negative aspects of technology.