Paradoxes of Technology

Flashcards on the paradoxes of technology, consumer cognizance, emotions, and coping strategies.

Substantive Theory

Contends that technology is a power in its own right, fundamental to the historical trajectory of Western civilization.

Technology

Artificial things that require engineering knowledge for their design and production and perform large amounts of operations by themselves.

Paradox

Polar opposite conditions can simultaneously exist, or at least can be potentiated, in the same thing.

Control/Chaos Paradox

Technology can facilitate regulation or order, and technology can lead to upheaval or disorder.

Freedom/Enslavement Paradox

Technology can facilitate independence or fewer restrictions, and technology can lead to dependence or more restrictions.

New/Obsolete Paradox

New technologies provide the user with the most recently developed benefits of scientific knowledge, and new technologies are already or soon to be outmoded as they reach the marketplace.

Competence/Incompetence Paradox

Technology can facilitate feelings of intelligence or efficacy, and technology can lead to feelings of ignorance or ineptitude.

Efficiency/Inefficiency Paradox

Technology can facilitate less effort or time spent in certain activities, and technology can lead to more effort or time in certain activities.

Fulfills/Creates Needs Paradox

Technology can facilitate the fulfillment of needs or desires, and technology can lead to the development or awareness of needs or desires previously unrealized.

Assimilation/Isolation Paradox

Technology can facilitate human togetherness, and technology can lead to human separation.

Engaging/Disengaging Paradox

Technology can facilitate involvement, flow, or activity, and technology can lead to disconnection, disruption, or passivity.

Pre-Acquisition Avoidance Strategies

Ignoring, Refusing, Delaying

Pre-Acquisition Confrontative Strategies

Pretesting, Buying Heuristics, Extended Decision Making, Extended Warranty/Maintenance Contract

Consumption Avoidance Strategies

includes neglect, abandonment, and distancing

Consumption Confrontative Strategies

Accommodation, Partnering, and Mastering