The printing press was served and thought to be a pivotal shift in society as the appearance of printing has been celebrated as a major step in technology and development, as the process was efficient, making and distributing information into the hands of more people in less time and cost, in turn helped raise literacy rates, which was later debunked (Cook, 1995, Pg. 69). The printing press is the first major technology that emphasises how advancements in technology are often seen as driving societal change irrespective of other factors.

“Human computers being referred to a human being” (Schaffer, 1994, Pg. 203). The industrial revolution, calculation was demoted from ‘intelligent' work to ‘merely mechanical’ labour becoming the job of “human computers”. Babbage's insights on the division of mental labour showcased how individuals were organized into specialized sections for efficient computation. As humans were transformed into "human computers," this emphasized the shift from intelligent work to mechanical labour, raising the questions about the role of technology in shaping human identity and labour practices.

The Berkeley Free Speech Movement was a significant event that showcased the role of technology, particularly mass communication channels like newspapers and television, in mobilizing and amplifying social movements. The movement was fueled students who saw the university’s restrictions from speaking out against the Vietnam war and by a desire to challenge the existing power structures and expand the boundaries of freedom of speech.

Chinese blocks (Movable type) serve as a tangible representation of the evolution of information gathering, dating back to ancient China. Revolutionizing the dissemination of knowledge by allowing for the mass production of written materials. Contrary to popular belief, the Chinese block predates the invention of the printing press, representing an early form of technology facilitating widespread communication.

Logarithms, particularly human computers, exemplifies the historical reliance on manual computational methods before the advent of modern computing technology. This tool underscores the evolution of information gathering and processing, highlighting the transition from manual, labour intensive methods to automated processes.

The “Victory Index” reflects a period of great optimism about the future, characterized by centralized technologies (eniac plugboards) used to justify the Vietnam war, convincing the US citizens that they were winning the war through broadcast televisions, government propaganda and inaccurate data.

Predictive policing utilizes computer algorithms and data analysis to forecast potential criminal activity and allocate law enforcement resources. It exemplifies the reliance on computing data in modern day, optimism about technology's potential and centralized decision-making.

Initially developed for military communication, it paved the way for the interconnected digital world by pioneering packet switching technology, laying the foundations for the modern internet. ARPANET’s evolution underscores the shift in how people gather and utilize information, marking a fundamental change in the way we connect and work from home.

The personal computer (Apple II) represents a shift towards individual empowerment and reliance on technology for various aspects of daily life, including work, communication, and entertainment. The rise of personal computing reflects society's inherent trust in new technology, as people eagerly embraced these devices for their convenience and capabilities whether that's working from home or a way to creative art.

So what is technological determinism? Technological determinism “proposes that technology is the driving force in developing a structure of society and culture” (Quan-Hasse, 2020, Pg. 55). A great example which happens to also be the first artifact in my exhibit is the Gutenberg printing press, as it was thought to be the first technological invention that revolutionized mass communication and distribution. Stated by Cook “the modern world commences with the printing press” (Cook, 1994, Pg. 95), this implies that the invention of the printing press marked a significant turning point in human history, signaling the beginning of the modern era. While it was celebrated for its role in “revolutionizing” mass communication and distribution, the advent of the machine itself did not lead to a widespread surge in literacy or the democratization of information as anticipated (Cook, 1995). The Gutenberg printing press stands as a prime example in the narrative of technological determinism, and serves as a reminder of the complexities inherent in technological innovation. Rather highlighting the nuanced relationship between technology and society, underscoring that innovation alone does not guarantee progress. The Gutenberg press exemplifies how the promise of technological solutions can sometimes fall short of expectations. As the basic conceit is always the same, new technology without a doubt seems promising, offering the hope of better lives for everyone, more independence, improved government, stronger communities, and personal fulfilment (Winner, 1997, p. 1001). It's important to recognize and acknowledge that the envisioned outcomes for technology are not assured and depend also on other factors. Despite the excitement about technological progress, it's essential to remember that emotions can influence decisions just as much as logic. This is often ignored by the idea that technology alone determines outcomes, overlooking the complex relationships between politics, economics, and technology (Mosco, 2002, p. 40). The relationship between people and technology is intricate and multifaceted, characterized by a dynamic interplay between human agency and societal influence. “”Tools” stand ready to serve the purpose of their users” (Feenberg, 1991 , Pg. 6), the ‘tool’ that is being referred to in this instance is technology. The idea that tools are designed and available to fulfil specific tasks or objectives for those who use them – “what humans being are and will become is decided in the shape of our tools” (Feenberg, 1991, Pg. 5). Technology, in its pure form, is neither good nor bad (Feenberg, 1991 , Pg. 6); its impact and implications depend on how it is used and the context in which it operates – it is determined by the intentions and actions of the people who create, deploy and use it. This underscores the notion that technological advancements build upon existing frameworks and are socially constructed, reflect and shape societal values and norms (Bijker et al., 1999; Callon & Law, 1997; Latour, 1993). Consequently, societal change must be contextualized within the framework of technological development. While technology does afford agency to its users, once integrated into society, it can normalize certain roles and behaviours, potentially limiting human agency (Quan-Hasse, 2020). Technology and society mutually shape each other, so people do have agency when it comes to technology. Throughout history and even into the present day, people have demonstrated a tendency to excessively rely on technology. Divided into four sections, the artifacts showcased in my exhibition serve as examples from the past and present that amplify why it is important to avoid becoming overly dependent and reliant on technology.

Section 1, starts off with the Gutenberg Myth, examining the transformative power of information technology through the inventions like the printing press and Chinese blocks. Its advent has been thought to have made a shift in how knowledge was produced, consumed, and distributed, engendering a belief in the promise of radical change driven by technology. 

Section 2, delves into the theme of Surveillance, shedding light on historical and contemporary explanations of control and monitoring. From the laborious manual of early human computers (de Prony - logarithms) to Factory floors, these artifacts highlight the tension between efficiency and privacy, underscoring the ethical complexities inherent in the age of data surveillance. The exploration of surveillance reflects technological determinism by illustrating how technology shapes societal structures and power dynamics. Suggesting that technological progress drives societal norms and practices, often leading to ethical questions regarding surveillance and control. 

Section 3, explores control, the approach of centralized technologies in shaping societal narratives and political agendas. From the Victory Index used in the Vietnam war to a Berkeley Free Speech Movement photo to predictive policing, highlighting the need of skepticism when examining the narratives disseminated by technology.

Finally, section 4 reflects on the democratizing potential of technology, exemplified by the evolution of ARPANET to the proliferation of personal computing devices and the Whole Earth Catalogue.

References

Cook, S.D.N. (1995). The Structure of Technological Revolutions and the Gutenberg Myth. In: Pitt, J.C. (eds) New Directions in the Philosophy of Technology. Philosophy and Technology, vol 11. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-015-8418-0_4

Feenberg, A. (1991). Critical theory of technology. Oxford University Press.

Fuchs, C., & Mosco, V. (2016). Marx in the age of digital capitalism. Brill.

Lubar, S. (1992) “Do Not Fold, Spindle or Mutilate”: A Cultural History of the Punch Card

      https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1542-734X.1992.1504_43.x 

Turner, Fred. "Chapter 22 How Digital Technology Found Utopian Ideology: Lessons from the First Hackers’ Conference". Critical Cyberculture Studies, edited by David Silver and Adrienne Massanari, New York, USA: New York University Press, 2006, pp. 255-269. https://doi.org/10.18574/nyu/9780814708903.003.0026

Quan-Haase, A. (2020). Technology & society : social networks, power, and inequality (Third edition). Oxford University Press.

Schaffer, S. (1994). Babbage’s Intelligence: Calculating Engines and the Factory System. Critical Inquiry, 21(1), 203–227. http://www.jstor.org/stable/1343892

The Whole Earth Catalog emerged during a time when many were questioning the consequences of rapid technological advancement and seeking alternative lifestyles. It promoted a back-to-the-land lifestyle, encouraging individuals to rely less on technology and more on self-sufficiency and community. The catalogue highlights the debate around the balance between technological progress and its potential drawbacks like societal dependence.

The flyer metaphorically portrays the university as a punch card machine within the larger framework of IBM’s technical and capitalist operations – insinuating that students were treated as punch cards, in the machinery of the education system (Lubar, 1992. Pg. 48). The flyer implies a loss of individual agency and autonomy, showcasing the perceived dehumanizing effects of mass education within a heavily technologically driven society.