Media and Technology - Symbolic Interactionism

Media and Technology SOCI 1306 Symbolic Interactionism Technology has evolved beyond its intended use in modern civilization to become a potent symbol that represents a wide range of social, economic, and cultural aspects. A person's technological preferences and possessions may be a powerful barometer of their financial level, social standing, and even sense of self. For example, having the newest Apple goods, sleek and contemporary computers, or high-end electric automobiles like Teslas can be used to denote a person's social position and level of financial success. These objects have developed into status symbols that indicate the owner's place in the social hierarchy in addition to being useful tools. Being able to purchase and exhibit these items conspicuously is frequently interpreted as an implicit statement of one's social standing and economic success. On the opposite end of the scale, there is a subset of people who are more sceptical of technology and go by the name of Neo-Luddites. The cold, impersonal aspect of contemporary existence and the rising estrangement between people in a world going digital are, in their opinion, best embodied by technology. The Neo-Luddite viewpoint stems from a deep-seated fear of how quickly technology is developing and what it means for interpersonal relationships and social cohesiveness. They contend that although technology offers certain advantages, it frequently erects obstacles that prevent real human connection and empathy. This point of view is a response to the widespread use of technology in every part of life, from screens mediating social interactions to the automation of tasks that formerly required human judgement and touch. The Neo-Luddites stress the need to protect the human components that they feel are being undermined by the unrelenting advance of technology, and they call for a more measured approach to the acceptance of new technologies. The technophiles, in stark contrast to the Neo-Luddites, welcome technology with hope and joy. Technophiles view technology as a ray of optimism and a representation of humankind's capacity to overcome obstacles and create a better future. They view technological developments as instruments for creativity, progression, and improving human existence. Technophiles applaud the ways in which technology may improve human experience, from the democratisation of knowledge through the internet to medical advances made possible by state-of-the-art research. Early adopters who are excited about the next big thing in technology, such as developments in artificial intelligence, virtual reality, or renewable energy sources, are frequently included in this category. Technophiles see every new device or technical advancement as a step towards a connected, efficient, and powerful future. Many people who fall somewhere in between these two ideological extremes view technology in a more nuanced manner. Depending on the situation, technology may represent both success and failure for these people. On the one hand, obtaining high-tech devices such as large flat-screen TVs or the newest smartphones can be interpreted as a sign of success, demonstrating one's capacity to engage with consumer culture and take advantage of contemporary innovation. These products are frequently linked to a comfortable, convenient, and entertaining lifestyle that embodies the goals of a large portion of the modern society. Having antiquated or simple technology, on the other hand, may be interpreted as a sign of failure or financial disadvantage. In addition to being less useful, an antiquated cell phone without any sophisticated capabilities may give off the impression that its owner is out of touch with current developments. This contrast in technological symbolism draws attention to the nuanced interactions individuals have with their devices and the social connotations attached to them. Furthermore, the symbolism of technology has wider societal ramifications in addition to personal possession. Technology's significance in determining social justice is further highlighted by the phrase "digital divide," which describes the difference between those who have access to contemporary information and communication technologies and those who do not. While not having access to technology can worsen already-existing inequities and marginalise some groups, it can also present opportunities for social involvement, work, and education. In this sense, technology represents both opportunity and inequality, mirroring larger societal issues and processes. Technology use and presence in the workplace may also be used as a gauge of an organization's values and culture. Organisations that place a high value on the newest technology tools and platforms frequently convey an innovative, progressive, and competitive image. The availability of cutting-edge resources in such settings may give employees a sense of empowerment and boost their output and creativity. On the other hand, businesses that adopt technology slowly risk being perceived as unchanging or stagnant, which might negatively impact staff morale and the company's reputation. Moreover, a growing amount of technology's symbolism relates to the environmental effects of both its manufacture and disposal. Technology now has a deeper significance because to the increased awareness of e-waste and the environmental costs involved in the production of electronic products. For people and organisations who care about the environment, the newest technological innovations might represent both advancement and the moral conundrums associated with contemporary consumerism. The drive for environmentally friendly and sustainable technological solutions is evidence of how our ideas about technology's place in society and its larger effects on the environment are changing. To sum up, technology is a complex symbol that represents a variety of social processes, values, and beliefs in modern society. The symbolic impact of technology pervades many facets of modern life, from revealing ideological splits and societal issues to denoting wealth and position. Technology's symbolism is as varied and intricate as the culture it lives in, whether it is seen as an instrument for advancement, a cause of estrangement, or a sign of success or failure. The meanings attached to technology will surely change as long as technical breakthroughs continue to impact society and ambitions. These meanings will reflect the constant interaction between societal norms, human aspirations, and the rapidly evolving technological landscape.