Technoculture

Paper Summary:

This paper examines the term technoculture, which is defined as a system marked by the widespread use of technology. The author believes this represents our society today, which sees technology as supreme. The paper further explores how technoculture and publicity are intertwined. Several article are cited that further illustrate this connection. The paper also discusses methods of computer privacy such as encryption, and several policies that have evolved because of privacy issues. The author concludes that technoculture, publicity and privacy are altering the nature of democracy in ways that the public may not yet perceive.

Outline:
Introduction
Technoculture and Publicity
Privacy and Access
The Developing Technological World
Accessibility
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Some theorists see the new technology as reflecting the ideal of the public sphere in that it offers universal access, uncoerced communication, freedom of expression, participation outside of traditional political institutions, and contributes to the creation of public opinion by means of public discussion. The fuel in the system is publicity, which links together the ideals of openness, inclusivity, visibility, equality, accessibility, and rationality (Dean 2002, p. 2). The new technology, like much of the old, carries the culture to the masses, and as Dean (2000) writes, "Cultural politics is about altering the boundaries that order American democracy" (p. 78)."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Darsie, R., 2005, Building Accessible Web Sites, Office of the Vice Provost Information and Educational Technology Expiration, http://tif.ucdavis.edu/meetings/2002/accessibility_recsol3.pdf.
• Dean, J., 2000, Cultural Studies and Political Theory, Ithaca, New York, Cornell University Press.
• Dean, J., 2002, Publicity's Secret: How Technoculture Capitalizes on Democracy, New York, Cornell University Press.
• Denise, T.C., Peterfreund, S.P. & White, N.P., 1996, Great traditions in ethics, New York, Wadsworth.
• Dockrill, C., 1987, Computer data banks and personal information: Protection against negligent disclosure, The Dalhousie Law Journal, 546-550.

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