cmn 619 histories of new media 2
Philip Brey introduces the main theoretical debates concerning the nature of technology. In particular, he contrasts a “realist” approach to technology with “social constructivism.”
In this response (minimum 250 words), please address the following questions:
- What is “contextual realism,” according to Brey. How does the example of Long Island bridges illustrate this concept?
- What is “social constructivism”? How does the example of the Victorian hallway bench illustrate the social construction of an object’s meaning?
- Can you apply these concepts to your smartphone? Which features and/or uses of your phone are determined by your phone’s physical design (realist)? Which features and/uses of your phone are determined (social constructed) by users like you?
