IS 376Resisting Technology: Issues and Effects

Dr. Kapatamoyo09/11/2014

Active vs. Reactive Resistance

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Layers of Interaction Technology Determinism

Utopia and Dystopia

Social and Psychological Factors Collective identity

Politics/ Representation

Theoretical Frameworks

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Technology Determinism Technological determinists view technology

as an autonomous force, beyond direct human control, and as the prime cause of social change (Chandler, 1995).

Determinists view the expansion of technology as Discontinuous, Technological growth not as a gradual, evolutionary process, but

as a series of revolutionary leaps forward (McCormack, 1994).

Determinists commonly have either a radically utopian or radically dystopian opinion on technology (Kaplan, 1996).

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Utopia vs. Dystopia

Utopian determinists believe that technology is a positive and uplifting force that will, over time,

mitigate or eliminate most or all of the ills that afflict humanity.

That technology is leading society towards an ever more utopian existence.

Dystopian determinists believe that technology is an inherently evil, or dehumanizing,

force that will lead, inevitably, to the moral, intellectual, or physical destruction of humankind

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Dystopia Cases

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Cases of dystopia have appeared when individuals of groups disrupt the cultural, political, economic status quo to make a point, by using whatever technology they have at their disposal, e.g.,

Luddites and neo luddites.AmishWikiLeaks,Anonymous, etc.

The Hacker

What about Hacking?

A hacker is ”a person who enjoys exploring the details of

programmable systems and how to stretch their capabilities"

and one who is capable of "creatively overcoming or circumventing limitations.”

But why would someone do this?

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1) Hacktivism

Hacktivism: A fusion of politics and activism. A policy of hacking, phreaking or creating

technology to achieve a political or social goal.“Forges conscience with technology and girds us

against the disagreeable nature of conflict. It allows us to mount better arguments, rally unseen allies, and take on any tyranny” (by Oxblood Ruffin of the Cult of the Dead Cow).

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2) CyberActivismUse of Information and Communication

Technologies, e.g., e-mail, list-servs, and the Web, by individuals and groups toCommunicate with large audiences,Galvanizing individuals around a

specific issue or set of issuesAnd attempt to build solidarity towards

meaningful collective actions.

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Origins

Changes in patterns of information, knowledge, and cultural production are changing

and that the way information and knowledge are made available can either limit or enlarge the ways people can create and express themselves.

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Observed OutcomesSuccessful outcomes transform existing structures

of Cultural, Economic, and Political power

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Success or Failure

Success is not measured in terms of the achievement of absolute concrete goals or concessions from those in power, but rather a transformation of consciousness and a source of moral vision and voice.

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New Social MovementsAccompanying the emergence of “post-

industrial” societies, in which advanced technology and service-based economies are centrifugal, has been the rise of “new” social movements (NSMs), whichAre based on identity-issues and

operate at the grassroots level; and Consist of networks of relations

between a plurality of actors, a sense of collective identity, and shared conflictual issues.

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New Social Movements

Because the ties between new social movement actors are flexible, participants are able to reach wide and heterogeneous audiences that can organize from different angles to form broad coalitions across various movement domains.

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New Social MovementsGroups that are marginal and blocked by the

prevailing institutions can link together and cooperate in ways that transcend these institutions.Such movements create “subversive invisible

connections across state boundaries and the established channels between them…these interstitial networks translate human goals into organizational means”.

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Collective Action Dilemma

Because in Post industrial environment; “participation within social movements is considered a goal in itself”. Consensus on key issues is hard to get. People can join and leave anytime (no

ideology). No regard for hierarchy, so actions will

happen outside of the framework.

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