The role of communication in the spread of culture has been studied for a long time. However, with the advent of new communication technologies, researchers are now able to explore this topic in more depth than ever before. One area that requires further exploration is the impact of modern communication infrastructure on cultural diffusion. Despite its importance, little empirical research has been conducted on this topic. This paper provides a research and literature review on the role of modern communication infrastructure in the diffusion of culture, arguing that culture has played a salient role in the diffusion of culture and has led to positive and adverse resultants.
Problem Statement
Despite the increasing use of modern communication technologies, there is little consensus on how these technologies impact cultural diffusion. Some researchers argue that new communication technologies are responsible for accelerating the spread of culture, while others maintain that they have no significant effect. The purpose of this paper is to explore this topic in more depth and determine the role that modern communication infrastructure plays in the diffusion of culture. More work is needed to determine the role of communication infrastructure in cultural diffusion and identify which factors contribute to the successful transmission of culture.
Annotated Bibliography
Corey, Anton. Communication uncovered: General semantics and media ecology. Institute of General Semantics, 2018.
In this book, the author promotes and integrates the fields of media ecology and general semantics. Through an analytical approach, Corey tries to reach out to people concerned about the changing role of reading and literacy in modern life. He evaluates significant studies in semiotics, including rhetorical theory, speech and writing, philosophy of communication, pedagogical theory, and communication theory. The book offers countless insights and broad references on the nature of language, speech and communication habits, communication technologies, and symbolic practices. This resource could be of great value for anyone interested in multidisciplinary communication theory.
“Culture statistics – the use of ICT for cultural purposes.” Eurostat, 2021.
Information and communication technologies (ICTs) became a critical tool of participation in cultural life and are the most advantageous method of accessing culture in the EU society. Internet technologies allow a growing number of people to participate in online cultural activities such as creating, uploading, and sharing cultural content (listening to music, broadcasting concerts, etc.). Eurostat’s statistics on the use of ICTs for cultural purposes are collected from the annual Community survey on the use of ICTs by households and individuals.
Gumpert, Gary. “Talking tombstones and other tales of the media age.” (1987).
In this book, Gary Gumpert discusses how new media technologies are being used to create interactive experiences that blur the line between reality and fiction. He argues that these new technologies are changing our understanding of what it means to be human. This book will elaborate on the aspect of the modern global citizen.
Gunkel, David J. An introduction to communication and artificial intelligence. John Wiley & Sons, 2020.
This book provides an introduction to communication and artificial intelligence. It discusses a variety of topics related to the impact of technology on communication, including the nature of communication, its effects on human beings and culture, and the future of communication. This source will highlight how various communication platforms are aiding in the transmission of culture across the globe.
Hickman, Larry A., and Larry Hickman. Philosophical tools for technological culture: Putting pragmatism to work. Indiana University Press, 2001.
This book provides an introduction to philosophical tools for thinking about technology. It discusses topics such as ethics, aesthetics, and social criticism concerning technology, relying on the philosophical assessment of technology offered by John Dewey in the 1920s. Hickman also reconsiders technology from the perspective of the great thinkers and philosophers of the 20th century, creating a new dimension of historical analysis. Equally important, the author assesses the role of education and democracy in public life in the age of technology.
Hoffman, August John, Saul Alamilla, and Belle Liang. The role of community development in reducing extremism and ethnic conflict. Palgrave MacMillan, Cham, 2018.
A comprehensive understanding of the nature of violence, aggression, extremism, and ethnically motivated crime in the United States is highly relevant in modern life. Today, engagement, interaction, and community development programs are provided to people of diverse social and cultural backgrounds. This helps debunk negative ethnic stereotypes, and reduce conflicts, convincing people to connect and create a more sustainable and empowered community. The impact of cultural diffusion on tensions in US cities, especially in communities with high numbers of immigrant refugees and people of various nationalities, needs to be investigated.
Hyde, Michael J. “Communication philosophy and the technological age.” (1982).
This book provides an overview of communication philosophy in the technological age. It discusses a variety of topics related to the impact of technology on communication, including the nature of communication, its effects on human beings and culture, and the future of communication. This book will explain the aspects of technology in communication changing human interaction and creating new global cultures.
Lyon, David. The culture of surveillance: Watching as a way of life. John Wiley & Sons, 2018.
In this book, the imagination and practice of everyday observation are explored. The author focuses on individual mundane experiences of surveillance and observation. From 9/11 to the Snowden leak, stories of surveillance are increasingly making headlines in the media. Either we are trying to protect our privacy, or negotiate the terms on which others have access to our data. Noteworthy, most people participate in surveillance to look after children, watch out for road users, and protect their property. Social media allows individuals to keep track of others as well as themselves. Therefore, the surveillance culture is analyzed as a communication technology.
Nolan, Ginger. The neocolonialism of the Global Village. University of Minnesota Press, 2018.
In this book, Barry Nolan argues that new information technologies are promoting neocolonialism – the domination of weaker countries by stronger countries. He maintains that these technologies are creating a global village in which the rich and powerful are able to exploit the poor and powerless. The aspect of capitalism in the new global culture will be highlighted from this source.
Salehan, Mohammad, Dan J. Kim, and Jae-Nam Lee. “Are there any relationships between technology and cultural values? A country-level trend study of the association between information communication technology and cultural values.” Information & Management 55.6 (2018): 725-745. doi.org/10.1016/j.im.2018.03.003
The sociocultural perspective on globalization argues that cultural values are constantly changing globally. Drawing on the sociocultural dimension of globalization and the theory of technological determinism, this study explores the relationship between technology and national cultural values. The results of the study show that technology is an essential driver of cultural convergence, pushing national cultures to converge towards the two cultural values proposed by Hofstede – higher individualism and lower power distance. Technology enhances national confidence in financial markets by increasing transparency and influencing the evolution of human society.