Final: Technology transformed by users

The theory of technological determinism states that technology drives social change. For
example, Facebook drives people to be connected online. The criticism of Facebook is that it causes people to substitute their real life relationships with online ones. This was not the purpose of the social media network. The purpose was to allow people to stay connected no matter where they are. The users of this communication medium transformed the technology to fit their lives. Users needed a fast and easy way to communicate with friends, family, and business associates so they shaped Facebook's purpose.

When cell phones were created they were meant to help people communicate, these days it seems like a necessity for every day life. Even though our dependency on cell phones is great for the industries such as AT&T and Verizon, cell phones at first were a luxury and have now developed into one of the most important technologies we use. The New York Times and onthemedia.org both publicized the fact that people all over the world are using their cell phones to get the cash value of air time. The "Dialing for Dollars" podcast even discussed how doctors in Kenya can text their patients when they have to take their medicine. This was not the original purpose of the cell phone, but people have shaped its use into something very productive and helpful. The cell phone is definitely a transformational technology.

Personally, I use my cell phone to fill up my time when I'm bored in the doctor's office or on the train. I usually look at all of my old text messages, which are usually just jokes between my friends and myself. It entertains me. Some people download games, music, and TV shows to their cell phones and this transforms the phone into something more than just a means of communication; it becomes a form of entertainment.

Radio is also a large medium that was changed by social circumstances. During the Vietnam War, young protestors needed a medium to voice their outrage and radio become that resource for them. The social climate of the times helped develop a freer form of radio broadcasts on FM. The need and want for radio stations that play personalized music even brought about the development of web radio sites like Pandora. Some people get tired of the same ten songs played over and over again on commercialized radio stations, so Pandora was really shaped by people's desire for something different that's more personal.

In terms of advertising, it seems like the more versatile a product or technology is, the more in demand it will be. Facebook can be used in several ways and now has over 350 million users. To put that in perspective, there approximately 308 million people in the United States. Also, it is very hard to find anyone who doesn't have a cell phone anymore. If people can transform technology to meet their needs, then the technology becomes beneficial for society and can be used by a broader range of people.