Computers and Culture

Paper Summary:

This paper introduces, discusses, and analyzes the topic of computers and culture, using the book, "Technopoly: The Surrender of Culture to Technology" by Neil Postman, and other resources. Specifically, the paper answers the following questions. How have computers and computer networks changed human thinking, behavior, and lifestyle? What has been gained? What has been lost? What are the advantages of computers in communication? In education? In entertainment? In the economy? What are the disadvantages in these areas? Is computer technology creating winners and losers or furthering social stratification? Have we become too dependent on computers? Do computers limit social skills and physical activity to a damaging degree? Why or why not?

From the Paper:

"Thus, computers are a large part of our daily lives, and they have forever changed human thinking, behavior, and lifestyle. For example, even ten years ago, computers were still a luxury, especially to lower income families and individuals. However, the prices on computers have dropped dramatically, and today, just about anyone can afford a basic computer. Human thinking and behavior have changed dramatically as computers have "woven their way into the daily fabric" of our lives. Today, you can shop at home on the computer, never setting foot outside your door. You can conduct your business almost entirely by computer, and never see the supplier in Hong Kong or the buyer in Bulgaria. Our lifestyles have become much more sedentary we lack of motivation to leave the computer screen, because these screens are mesmerizing, as one historian notes. "Whether as a TV screen or computer monitor, the cathode ray tube remains a two-dimensional mosaic display favoring acoustic simultaneity."

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