In 'Technopoly,' Neil Postman explores the complex relationship between technology and culture, arguing that society's obsession with technology can lead to a dangerous loss of critical thought and human values. He illustrates how technological advancements can dominate cultural discourse, making other perspectives obsolete. Postman warns that as we become increasingly reliant on technology, we risk losing essential skills like reasoning and communication. With a keen eye for the implications of technological dominance, he urges readers to reflect on the values that should guide technological progress. This provocative examination challenges us to consider whether we are the masters of our creations or merely servants to them.
By Neil Postman
Published: 1993
"In a technopoly, the culture is dominated by technology to such an extent that it becomes the central means by which society operates, often at the expense of deeper human values and understanding."
A witty, often terrifying that chronicles our transformation into a society that is shaped by technology—from the acclaimed author of Amusing Ourselves to Death. "A provocative book ... A tool for fighting back against the tools that run our lives." —Dallas Morning News The story of our society's transformation into a Technopoly: a society that no longer merely uses technology as a support system but instead is shaped by it—with radical consequences for the meanings of politics, art, education, intelligence, and truth.
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“In a technopoly, the culture is dominated by technology to such an extent that it becomes the central means by which society operates, often at the expense of deeper human values and understanding.”
Technopoly
By Neil Postman
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Neil Postman was an influential American author, educator, and media theorist, best known for his critically acclaimed works that explore the effects of media and technology on culture and society. His most notable works include 'Amusing Ourselves to Death: Public Discourse in the Age of Show Business', which critiques television's impact on public discourse, and 'Technopoly: The Surrender of Culture to Technology', which examines the consequences of an over-reliance on technology. Postman's writing style is characterized by clarity, wit, and a strong argumentative approach, often blending humor with serious observations about the cultural implications of media consumption.
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