Is Technology New?

Postman claims culture seeks validation through technology. Technopoly, he argues, flourishes wherever people "believe that information is an unmixed blessing, which through its continued and uncontrolled production and dissemination offers increased freedom, creativity, and peace of mind. Technopoly flourishes when the defenses against information break down" (Postman 71).

Postman views technology as a new phenomenon. His view of technology is very narrow. Walter Ong makes the point that writing is a technology, and the point could easily be made that drawing is a technology as well. Before writing was invented, societies used pictographs, hieroglyphics, and other forms of ancient writings and drawings to communicate in their societies. People require tools to perform both writing and drawing activities. Societies have been using available technology to improve the way in which they communicate and manage information for centuries.