Blog post #2

After reading chapter two of Personal Connections in the Digital Age, which covers the theoretical perspectives between technology and the social, technological determinism is strongly evident in Katherine Pommerening’s case. Technological determinism perspective beliefs the development of new technology is defining societal relationships and the technological influence is unavoidable. Technology plays a big part in Katherine’s social life in particular her cellphone. The anxiety of new media is clean in Katherine’s life through the use of social media and the stress created from her obsession. 

The article compares Katherine’s life to her father’s childhood and the difference in life style technology has created. In Katherine’s case she is constantly on her iPhone and stays home all the time whereas her father was always outside with his friends. But Katherine has no reason to seek face-to-face interaction because all her friends are on their iPhones and on social media. Her interactions with her friends are mediated by digital technology. The various apps on her phone create her social life allowing her to stay connected. 

I chose this theoretical framework because it is the most evident in Katherine’s situation. It is also the perspective her peers share in her relationship with technology. Social media is creating and shaping Katherine’s everyday life allowing her to have more interconnectivity than the generations beforehand. 

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