Internet: Knowledge and Community

*HOYLE HODGES
*INTERNET: Knowledge and Community
*Response for 6 OCT 2010

*History Shows Us the Way

“One consistent finding in histories of the modern period is that power over the most important 
decisions about how technologies were introduced was far from evenly distributed.   Those who 
had the financial and technical wherewithal to create new technologies in earlier decades of our 
century often found it feasible and desirable to mold society to match the needs of emerging 
technological systems and organizational plans”(Winner)
Throughout the history of America we have had to adapt as a society on many levels, political, 
culturally, work, etc to advances in technology.  During Colonial times society went through 
three fairly rapid transformations.  The industrial age brought great change, F.W. Taylor and his 
Principles of Scientific Management brought with it the notion that the organizational system
comes first, not the person.  Workers were not only employees but also consumers, which 
helped corporations reach deep into the lives of average Americans with ad campaigns that 
reinforced the type of activities; both private and public that new technology made possible. The 
forces that shaped our perception of modern life during the industrial age are still very strong in 
the information age and continue to shape society even though some of the old patterns are
changing at a very rapid pace.
Technological changes in the past have brought great changes to American society, often at great 
expense. Much of this change is the result of unforeseen consequences that the few at the top of 
the corporate and political leadership either could not see or willfully choose to ignore.  As we 
become more and more digitized some of negative consequences are becoming very obvious.
Jobs sent overseas, upswing in accidents resulting from texting, less and less human face to face 
interaction, etc... Ironically it is the “Internet” itself that is giving the average person a way to 
speak out on a global basis and shed light and dialogue and is preventing some of the patterns of 
the past.  Technology is our friend if chosen wisely, used correctly and broad input is 
encouraged.  Americans have always triumphed over adversity and will continue to do so, the 
Information Age brings with it many challenges, as well as opportunities.