Post A Question For A Classmate About Their First Post
Post 2a Question For A Classmate About Their First Post That Refers T
Please review the first post provided by your classmate, Jennifer Booker, which discusses the anthropological impacts of mobile phones based on Miller’s (2019) article. Formulate a question that is at least 75-100 words long, specific to her post, and references the learning materials she summarized. Your question should encourage discussion or clarification about key concepts such as the effects of mobile phones on culture, the theories of technological determinism and social constructivism, or specific examples she provided from different cultures. Focus on engaging with her insights about how mobile technology influences social connections, cultural perceptions, and societal change in diverse communities, especially in small island regions. Ensure your question shows comprehension of the material and invites a detailed response that furthers understanding of how mobile phones serve as both technological artifacts and catalysts of cultural transformation.
Paper For Above instruction
Jennifer Booker's post provides a comprehensive overview of the anthropological effects of mobile phones, drawing on Miller’s (2019) article. The core thesis emphasizes the significant cultural changes prompted by mobile phone introduction in various societies, especially in small island communities like Mozambique, Samoa, and Papua New Guinea. The article highlights how mobile phones have reshaped social interactions, enabled new forms of secrecy and connection, and influenced cultural perceptions of privacy and ostracism. These effects are framed through the theoretical lenses of technological determinism and social constructivism, which help explain how technology both influences and is shaped by social contexts.
One of the key points in her post relates to how mobile phones facilitate social connections in economically disadvantaged communities. For instance, individuals without income attempt to link with wealthier community members, demonstrating technology’s role in social mobility and resource sharing. This illustrates technological determinism, where the introduction of mobile phones serves as a catalyst for social change, connecting distant family members and reducing the need for physical travel to communicate.
Furthermore, Jennnifer highlights the social constructivist perspective, noting how different cultures perceive mobile phones as tools for concealment or transparency. An example cited is the use of mobile phones to arrange secret meetings or to provide emotional support to ostracized individuals without risking social fallout. This underscores how cultural norms shape the adoption and use of technological artifacts, influencing societal behaviors and perceptions.
Her mention of corporate strategies, such as Digicel’s approach to introducing mobile technology, underscores the complex relationship between corporate interests, technological dissemination, and cultural adaptation. The article suggests that corporations employ technological determinism to promote mobile phone use, aiming to reshape local cultures by facilitating easier communication and potentially altering traditional patterns of social interaction.
Overall, Jennifer’s post effectively shows that mobile technology is both a product and an influencer of cultural change. It acts as an agent of social mobility, privacy, and emotional support, while also reflecting existing cultural values and norms. These insights are valuable for understanding the hybrid nature of technological artifacts—both shaping and being shaped by societal forces.
References
- Miller, D. (2019). Anthropological Studies of Mobile Phones. Technology and Culture, 60(4), 771–794.