Technophilia

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Technophilia is, in its simplest definition, a strong enthusiasm for technology, especially newer technologies such as computers, the Internet, cell phones and home theater. It is used in sociology when examining the interaction of individuals with their society, especially contrasted with technophobia.[citation needed]

The idea of technophilia, used occasionally in the critical theory of society, describes the new forms of enthusiasm for new technologies and technological innovations.

[edit] Extremes

Technophilia and technophobia are the two extremes of the relationship between technology and society. The technophobe fears or dislikes technology, often regarding some or all technology as destructive because it may lead to a process of dehumanization, and it may be believed that social reliance on technology is harmful for various reasons. The technophile sees most or all technology as positive, adopting technology enthusiastically, and seeing it as a means to potentially improve life and combat social problems. Transhumanism is sometimes considered to be the most advanced form of technophilia, as its adherents work towards a future in which technology will allow human beings to be physically and mentally upgraded, in order to better suit individual and social standards.

[edit] Historical

Spanish sociologist Manuel Castells has examined the changed interactions between technology and society in his writings about the Information Age.[citation needed]