Philosophers Of Technology Have Often Argued That Technology ✓ Solved
Philosophers Of Technology Have Often Argued That Technologies
Philosophers of Technology have often argued that technologies are value-laden rather than being merely value-neutral. One reason for thinking so is because the act of building or making always presupposes value-judgments about what we think is worth building or making in the first place. Put another way, what we make or build often reveals what we think is worth doing: making and building reveal what we take to be a problem and whether that problem is worth solving. Consider a social media platform of your choice that is being used in a country outside the US and Canada. Consider the influence of values (through the concept of values infrastructures) upon the designers and the adopting populations. Explain how the adopting culture has changed in response to internal and external pressures made manifest by the social media platform. In your write up, be sure to: 1. Describe what social media platform you are investigating and the country in which it is being used. 2. Explain: what reasons can you think of for why it exists?; how was it made?; who made it?; and for whom was it made? 3. Try to list specific values that best explain the intentions behind the social media platform that you picked (using Cook's concept of a 'values infrastructure'). Consider the intentions behind the design (as you perceive them) and the intentions of the targeted end-users. Can you anticipate or foresee unintentional consequences as a result of the platform? Can you foresee whether the platform will be used ethically or unethically? 4. Give a reasoned defense for how you reached your conclusions and defend your position appealing to the theories of technology discussed in class and readings.
Paper For Above Instructions
### Introduction
In the modern digital landscape, social media platforms have become pivotal in shaping cultural values and societal behaviors. One prominent example is WeChat, a social media platform extensively utilized in China. WeChat serves not only as a communication tool but also as an all-in-one application that integrates services such as messaging, social media, and mobile payments. This paper will explore the influence of WeChat on Chinese culture by examining the platform's design, intentions, and consequential ethical considerations.
### Description of WeChat
WeChat was developed by Tencent, a Chinese multinational conglomerate, in 2011. The platform initially started as a messaging app but has evolved into a multifunctional platform that includes social networking, online shopping, and payment processing, all of which have made it integral to daily life in China. One of the primary reasons for WeChat’s existence is to facilitate communication and to create a digital environment that fosters social connectivity in an increasingly mobile society.
WeChat's design was influenced by the needs of the Chinese market, where mobile-first technology adoption prevails. The app was intentionally designed for widespread accessibility, allowing users to connect seamlessly, share moments, and conduct transactions. The developers aimed to create a platform for everyone, from teenagers to elderly users, thus promoting inclusivity.
### Values Infrastructure and Cultural Changes
Using Cook's concept of 'values infrastructure', several key values underpin WeChat's design and usage: convenience, connectivity, trust, and control. These values are deeply embedded within the app's objectives and features. The convenience of having multiple functions (messaging, online shopping, and payment) in one platform reflects a societal emphasis on efficiency and ease of use. Connectivity is represented through features like Moments, where users share life events and updates, reinforcing social bonds and community integration.
Moreover, the value of trust is paramount in a society where digital identity and privacy concerns coexist. WeChat has implemented various security measures to establish a secure user environment, thereby influencing how users interact with the platform. The control exerted over content and user behavior by the platform, along with the regulatory framework of the Chinese government, fosters a digital landscape where users are both empowered and restricted. This duality has instigated a profound cultural change in how communication and commerce are perceived in China.
In examining the intentions behind WeChat's design, it is apparent that Tencent aimed to create a platform that resonates with the values of the Chinese populace while simultaneously addressing the government's desire for control over information dissemination. However, this has led to concerns about surveillance and censorship, raising ethical questions about user rights and privacy.
### Unintentional Consequences and Ethical Considerations
As society increasingly relies on WeChat, several unintentional consequences can be anticipated. For example, the promotion of digital payments via WeChat Pay may diminish cash transactions, leading to a cashless society that affects economic behaviors and financial inclusivity for marginalized groups. Furthermore, the pressure to curate an ideal online persona on platforms like WeChat can affect mental health, particularly among younger users.
Evaluating whether WeChat will be used ethically or unethically depends on the perspective taken. While the platform provides conveniences and efficiencies, the implications of surveillance and data privacy issues raise significant ethical concerns. The alignment with governmental standards could lead to biased content moderation practices and suppression of dissent, pushing the platform towards ethical dilemmas.
### Conclusion
In conclusion, WeChat epitomizes how technology can reflect and influence cultural values and societal changes. By understanding the values infrastructure behind its design, we gain insight into the intentions of both the designers and the end-users. As a tool for communication and commerce, WeChat shapes social behaviors in various ways, some of which carry ethical implications that must be scrutinized. The ongoing dialogue about technology's values-laden nature is vital to understanding and using it responsibly in an evolving digital age.