Technological autonomy and three definitions of technology

In this essay I argue that one way to comprehend popular discourse about new technologies is to explore the meanings of the term technology. I develop the need to interrogate the meaning of technology by contrasting studies of technological discourse with studies of scientific discourse. I delineate...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of communication 1999-07, Vol.49 (3), p.137-153
Main Author: McOmber, JB
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Academic Language
Clinton Administration
Clinton, Bill
Communication
Communication (Thought Transfer)
Cultural Context
Culture
Definitions
Discourse
Discourse Analysis
Ideology
Internet
Mass media
Mechanics (Physics)
Popular Culture
Presidents
Public policy
Scholarship
Science
Scientists
Social Environment
Social Influences
Society
Technological Advancement
Technological Innovations
Technology
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Summary:In this essay I argue that one way to comprehend popular discourse about new technologies is to explore the meanings of the term technology. I develop the need to interrogate the meaning of technology by contrasting studies of technological discourse with studies of scientific discourse. I delineate three meanings of technology assumed in popular and academic discourse: technology‐as‐instrumentality, technology‐as‐industrialization, and technology‐as‐novelty. Finally, I examine the deployment of these definitions by the Clinton administration as it promulgates and defends its policies regarding the Internet. I conclude by reflecting on the significance of popular equivocation on the meaning of technology for understanding the ideology of technology.
ISSN:0021-9916
1460-2466
DOI:10.1111/j.1460-2466.1999.tb02809.x