Technopoly

The main issue in Postman's Technopoly that really resonated with me is the access to power and control of information that shapes our culture. Postman argues technology is starting to reshape culture completely by influencing our worldviews. This is nothing new as we saw this happen with the invention of the printing press which introduced literacy to the masses on a larger scale and of television which as shaped cultural norms entirely. Today technology such as the internet have become such a part of our lives that we have become dependent of it. The common belief is that technology is an advancement for progress however, this "wisdom" as Thaedrus suggests, is a false one. We too often accept the ubiquitous information given to us as true. Postman asks us to question technology and become aware of the influence it has on our ideologies and culture. Moreover, developing technologies cause a divide in those who become competent or gain expertise in the are and those who do not. Postman describes our country as a technolopy, or a totalitarian technocracy. In a technolopy, the belief that science and expertise overcomes human judgment is prevalent. Therefore anything we read as having scientific or expert credibility we accept as innately true. The types of technology we use and our competencies suggest something about class, status and access. Those with more access and power control and manage information available to the public for their own specific interests. Medium IS the message, it is the way institutions, politicians, organizations, advertisers ask you to take an action by shaping your perceptions.
P.S as far as the discussion of algorithms I tried to keep track of what I saw on my internet usage. I noticed a lot of what was advertised to me was on the basis of my demographics. As a young female college student Facebook thought I would maybe like to donate my eggs, along with buying a bunch of clothes and cosmetics. I also noticed a lot of advertising for my favorite shows and movies.