ONLN NATS 1505 TEST #1 Essay. Technology Assignment.

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1. Provide two examples of how modern day ICTS are similar to traditional telecom and/or broadcast technologies. Provide two examples of how modern day ICTS differ from traditional broadcasting and telecom systems. (10 marks total)
Two similarities that can be drawn between modern day ICTS and traditional telecom and/or broadcast technologies are the ability of a person to relay information to another person, as well as the existence of mass media. However, what makes message dissemination and mass media different between the two is the approach to how information is relayed to others. In the modern day ICTS, there is the existence of the internet and smartphones for point-to-point and point-to-mass approaches to message dissemination, which in terms of the traditional systems would involve the use of landlines and telephones for point-to-point communication, while radios and TV for the purpose of point-to-mass communication. Also, the existence of mass-to-mass systems exist in the modern day ICTS which are not part of the traditional technologies.
2. In your opinion, what are two of the most powerful arguments against technological determinism? Despite these criticisms, provide one reason why people continue to back this theory. Support your position using content from the audiocasts, notes and readings. (10 marks total)
One strong argument that can be made against technological determinism is the simplicity of the theory in terms of elaborating very complex phenomena that occur in the society. This argument may have pointed out that technological determinism oversimplifies the complex relationship which exists between the society and changes in the technology. This is explained further by saying that a complex event is possibly a significant result of technological innovations. Another powerful argument that can be thrown against technological determinism is that humans tend to lack control over the technology. This claims that supporters of the opposed theory have failed to see technologies as part of a pattern of social and culture use which can be a way to remove human responsibility a...