Technological Visions: Hopes And Fears That Shape New Technologies

by Marita Sturken (Editor), Douglas Thomas (Editor)

For as long as people have developed new technologies, there has been debate over the purposes, shape and potential for their use. In this collection, a range of contributors discuss the visions that have shaped new technologies and the cultural implications of technological adaptation.

304 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2004

About the author

Marita Sturken is a professor and chair in the Department of Media, Culture, and Communication at New York University. Her work spans the fields of cultural studies, visual culture, American studies, and memory studies with an emphasis on cultural memory, national identity, consumer culture, art, and the cultural effects of technology.

Reviews

[John Carter McKnight · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe the most uneven anthology I've read: some brilliant stuff, but way too much crap. Several essays are extraordinary, from STS studies of particular technologies in use (the one on portable TVs in the late 1960s was wonderful) to, surprisingly, Langdon Winner's contribution. Unfortunately, they're filled out with the toenail clippings of A-list academics, "Thank You, Doctor Obvious" pieces and a few filled with wild misstatements and absurd claims.

Despite the filler, well worth looking through for the excellent STS work in here. Just don't buy it, or read the whole thing.