In his article “The Role of New Media for the Democratization Processes in the Arab World,” Markus Sabadello argues against the technological deterministic notions that assert the “Arab Spring” is a result of new media technology. He cites alternative examples of how past political revolutionaries took advantage of the technology available to them, claiming that new media is only a tool and not an instigator. Technological utopianism refers to an ideology in which assumes that advances in science and technology will eventually bring about a utopia, or at least help to fill the utopian ideal.
Sabadello criticizes this idea, but, he too slips into the techno-utopian trap. After discussing some of the “Countermeasures” governments have taken, Sabadello addresses the counter-countermeasures protestors can take using new media. This is where he gets hypocritical “A number of technology projects are under way that promisetomake access to information, social networking, and other interaction on the internet more free, open and democratic, more empowering for individuals, and less vulnerable to manipulation or restriction” (Sabadello). By suggesting that we are only one tiny advancement away from a device or program that will finally liberate users from oppression, Sabadello takes up the techno-utopian argument. Although, to be honest, I can’t blame him. It’s very difficult not to imagine science and its technological advancements as the savior of the human race. Isn’t this why we invest in space programs, medical research, and any new discovery that looks as though it can somehow help us out? I think it gives us hope to believe there’s a machine out there, waiting to be developed, that will solve most of our problems. I tried to think of some recent scientific discoveries that have nothing but positive consequences, but we’ve even found a way to abuse antibiotics. Do we already have a technology or the ability to develop one that can do no wrong in the hands of a human being? The video below is an example of how science failed to protect people even in a “perfect” simulated environment.
Science can replicate an environment suitable for human life, but we’ll still find a way to lose the pollinators and sneak in some candy bars. In other words, the innate characteristics of the new technologies that Sabadello promises will promote democracy, will be the same ones that restrict it. Tor may give the protestor or hacktivist anonymity when communicating over the internet, but it allows the opposition the same advantage.
I think that you make a very valid argument. People often get stuck in this idea of technology utopia. Though I do think technology is our future, I do not think that “technology” will save the human race. People will save us. How people use technology will decide the direction of our future. I also believe that if we depend to greatly on technology that it will be our downfall. Imagine if the revolutionaries in the Arab World could not get there Facebook status to post. Do you think they would have gone, “Oh well, looks like I am going to keep living in oppression?” No. They would have found another way. I find that people become too dependent on technology. If we can’t get our internet access to work, our whole day is ruined. We should get up and do something, instead of crying or posting from our phones our laptop isn’t connecting to the internet. We may reach a time of peace and utopian style life, and technology may be a tool to getting there. But we will not get there without people wanting to strive for it.
I think that you make a very valid argument. People often get stuck in this idea of technology utopia. Though I do think technology is our future, I do not think that “technology” will save the human race. People will save us. How people use technology will decide the direction of our future. I also believe that if we depend to greatly on technology that it will be our downfall. Imagine if the revolutionaries in the Arab World could not get there Facebook status to post. Do you think they would have gone, “Oh well, looks like I am going to keep living in oppression?” No. They would have found another way. I find that people become too dependent on technology. If we can’t get our internet access to work, our whole day is ruined. We should get up and do something, instead of crying or posting from our phones our laptop isn’t connecting to the internet. We may reach a time of peace and utopian style life, and technology may be a tool to getting there. But we will not get there without people wanting to strive for it.
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