Optimistic and pessimistic views of digital technologies
McChesney discusses these different ways of thinking about technologies in his book. He points out that often, it is the optimistic people – the utopians – who are the loudest and most publicized voices in our conversations about the future of digital technologies.
These people predict that the Internet will revolutionize the organization of business and society. It will lead us to prosperity, democracy, and a host of cultural benefits. Marginalized people will be empowered through the power of technology. The world will become much better.
For example, Clay Shirky's TED talk below discusses how cognitive surplus will change the world for the better.
Reflecting on these optimistic predictions, McChesney writes that: “the celebrants reaffirm one of the most important original arguments from the 1990s, that the Internet will be a force for democracy and good worldwide, ending monopolies of information and centralized control over communication” (p.8).
As you can imagine, all of these positive predictions have so far failed to materialize. In fact, new problems have emerged. The benefits for some do not automatically equal benefits for all. Pessimists attack the idea that the Internet is automatically spawning greater levels of knowledge, and point out that it just as easily spreads ignorance and misinformation. Others argue that Internet users are increasingly individualized, isolated, and addicted to life online. People are drawn to technologies that provide the illusion of companionship, but often lack the demands – and benefits - of a 'face to face' relationship.
Another line of critics, such as Evgeny Morozov, point to the political dangers of the Internet. In the video below, he questions whether the Internet is empowering or censoring citizens.
Critics like Morozov argue that the powers that be used to put us under constant surveillance. They see these technologies as a means to control us or take away our civil liberties. As the video “Stop Watching Us” shows, revelations about widespread surveillance undertaken by the U.S. Government of its citizens is but one example of how new technologies are as capable as having negative as beneficial effects.
McChesney discusses these different ways of thinking about technologies in his book. He points out that often, it is the optimistic people – the utopians – who are the loudest and most publicized voices in our conversations about the future of digital technologies.
These people predict that the Internet will revolutionize the organization of business and society. It will lead us to prosperity, democracy, and a host of cultural benefits. Marginalized people will be empowered through the power of technology. The world will become much better.
For example, Clay Shirky's TED talk below discusses how cognitive surplus will change the world for the better.
Video: TED Talk - Clay Shirky: How cognitive surplus will change the world
(June 2010 in Cannes, France)
(June 2010 in Cannes, France)
Reflecting on these optimistic predictions, McChesney writes that: “the celebrants reaffirm one of the most important original arguments from the 1990s, that the Internet will be a force for democracy and good worldwide, ending monopolies of information and centralized control over communication” (p.8).
As you can imagine, all of these positive predictions have so far failed to materialize. In fact, new problems have emerged. The benefits for some do not automatically equal benefits for all. Pessimists attack the idea that the Internet is automatically spawning greater levels of knowledge, and point out that it just as easily spreads ignorance and misinformation. Others argue that Internet users are increasingly individualized, isolated, and addicted to life online. People are drawn to technologies that provide the illusion of companionship, but often lack the demands – and benefits - of a 'face to face' relationship.
Another line of critics, such as Evgeny Morozov, point to the political dangers of the Internet. In the video below, he questions whether the Internet is empowering or censoring citizens.
Video: Evgeny Morozov - RSA Animate - The Internet in Society: Empowering or Censoring Citizens?
(adapted from a talk given in 2009; listen to the full lecture here)
(adapted from a talk given in 2009; listen to the full lecture here)
Critics like Morozov argue that the powers that be used to put us under constant surveillance. They see these technologies as a means to control us or take away our civil liberties. As the video “Stop Watching Us” shows, revelations about widespread surveillance undertaken by the U.S. Government of its citizens is but one example of how new technologies are as capable as having negative as beneficial effects.
Video: Stop Watching Us
(Video produced by the Electronic Frontier Foundation and published on Oct 23, 2013. Click for more information on the campaign StopWatching.us)
Close this window to return to the course
(Video produced by the Electronic Frontier Foundation and published on Oct 23, 2013. Click for more information on the campaign StopWatching.us)
Close this window to return to the course