UNRAVELING SOCIETAL DYNAMICS FROM MARCUSE TO THE DIGITAL AGE

Year 2024, Volume: 11 Issue: 2, 68 - 82, 31.12.2024

Bayram Arda Kuş , Sait Ebinc

Abstract

Purpose- This paper explores the complex interplay between technology and society, focusing on technopolitics to understand how technological advancements shape social and political dynamics. Drawing on Herbert Marcuse’s critical perspectives in One-Dimensional Man, the study investigates how technopolitical forces contribute to contemporary challenges like social isolation, political polarization, and changes in public discourse. Incorporating insights from sociology, political science, psychology, and technology studies, this research provides a comprehensive look at the evolution of technopolitical structures and their effects on modern society. The paper aims to offer a deeper understanding of technopolitics along with practical insights for addressing its impacts on society.
Methodology- A diverse methodological approach, combining qualitative and quantitative analysis, case studies, and historical comparisons, has been used to capture the multi-layered nature of technopolitics and its varied implications for social structures and governance.
Findings- The research highlights that rapid technological changes have redefined human interactions, fostering social isolation and weakening traditional community ties. As technology increasingly intersects with politics, it reshapes political engagement, with digital platforms altering public discourse and transforming the nature of conflict and participation. An important finding is the evolving role of engineers, who now not only develop technological systems but also influence political processes and public opinion. The concept of a “technopolitical ecosystem” is introduced, emphasizing the close link between technology and politics and the need for a comprehensive approach to navigate these impacts. The findings underline the importance of considering technological advancements from a sociological perspective to develop policies that are both sustainable and effective.
Conclusion- This paper underscores the profound influence of technological progress on social and political structures, demonstrating how technopolitics shapes relationships and governance alike. Through a multidisciplinary lens and historical and contemporary examples, the study advocates for careful, inclusive strategies to ensure that technological advancements support social cohesion and political stability.

Keywords

Technopolitics, social impact, marcuse, technological hegemony, societal transformation

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