1

Technology advancement and cross culture

Introduction

The success of innovations depends not only on their actual benefits but also on how potential
adopters perceive them and how their beliefs are affected by their social and cultural
environment. To deepen our understanding of socio-psychological processes affecting the new
technology spread, we model the joint dynamics of three interlinked processes: individual
learning and mastering the new technology, changes in individual attitudes towards it, and
changes in individual adoption decisions. The new technology can potentially lead to a higher
benefit but achieving it requires learning. It is predicted that individual decision-making process
as well as their attitudes are affected by cognitive dissonance and conformity with peers and an
external authority. Individuals vary in different psychological characteristics and in their
attitudes.

The effectiveness of five different intervention strategies aiming to promote the diffusion of a
new technology: training individuals, providing subsidies for early adopters, increasing the
visibility of peer actions, simplifying the exchange of opinions between people, and increasing
the effort of an external authority. Culture affects the diffusion of innovations. Finally, It
demonstrate demonstrated that neglecting the cognitive forces and the dynamic nature of
individual attitudes can lead to wrong conclusions about adoption of innovations. Diffusion of
technological innovations has been a major force of productivity growth throughout human
prehistory and history.

Example

For example, the spread of agriculture and innovative warfare technologies has promoted the
emergence of complex societies. It has been argued that technology diffusion has controlled the
evolution of the world’s cross-country income distribution, that it can explain the structure of the
2

world after World War II, and that it is a primary contributor to trade cycles . The spread of
technological innovations such as cell phones, digital television, personal computers, online
banking and the Internet is changing our daily lives.

Innovations spread is of great importance for businesses, governments and policy makers.
Consequently, the process of the diffusion of technological innovations has been studied
intensively in different fields including economics , marketing, political science , sociology and
anthropology. The social network structure is important, there are many other crucial
psychological, cultural and cognitive aspects of human decision-making affecting the spread of
innovations. For example, incorrect beliefs about the health and environmental effects of
traditional stoves, which use wood, agricultural waste, coal and dried cattle manure, relative to
those of improved cooking stoves have greatly reduced the spread of the latter in rural India.
Initial attempts to introduce piped drinking water made in 1950s in Uttar Pradesh, India, failed
because potential adopters had negative attitudes towards the new technology due to perceived
harmful effects of drinking electrically pumped water, tastelessness of this water and fears that
the water was medicated to reduce fertility. In the US home VCR market during the 1980s, the
VHS format won competition over Betamax because consumers developed beliefs about its
growth advantage , which became a ‘self-fulfilling prophecy’. It is also well recognized that
social influences and social norms can play a crucial role in the innovation diffusion processes.
There are two general types of social norms

Indigenous studies about” cross influence in technology Advancement

Indigenous studies often explore the cross-influence between technology advancement and

indigenous communities. This includes examining how traditional knowledge and practices

interact with modern technologies, as well as the impact of technological changes on indigenous

cultures, economies, and ways of life. Such studies can provide valuable insights into the

complex relationship between innovation and cultural preservation.

Traditional Knowledge and Modern Technologies:

Indigenous communities have rich traditional knowledge about their environments, resources,

and sustainable practices. The integration of modern technologies, such as GIS (Geographic

Information Systems) and remote sensing, with this traditional knowledge can enhance land

management, resource conservation, and disaster preparedness.

Language and Technology:

The development of technology in indigenous languages preserves and revitalizes linguistic

diversity. Software, apps, and tools in native languages contribute to communication, education,

and cultural continuity. Conversely, technology can aid in language preservation through digital

archives and interactive language learning platforms.

Cultural Expression and Digital Media:

Technology allows indigenous communities to share their cultural heritage globally through

digital media platforms. Art, music, storytelling, and traditional practices find new avenues for

expression, fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.

Community Health and Well-being:

Telemedicine and mobile health apps offer solutions to healthcare challenges faced by remote

indigenous communities. Technology aids in diagnosing illnesses, offering medical advice, and

providing access to healthcare professionals.

Cross cultural difference and similarities in technology advancement

Cross-cultural differences and similarities in technology advancement examine how various

cultures adopt, use, and adapt to technological innovations.

Similarities could involve universal trends such as the use of social media platforms or the

challenges posed by privacy concerns, irrespective of cultural backgrounds.

Differences might include variations in how different cultures adopt and integrate technology

into daily life. For instance, some cultures might prioritize individualism and personal

communication devices, while others may emphasize communal use of technology for group

activities. Here are some points to consider when exploring cross-cultural differences and

similarities in technology advancement :

 Adoption Rates: Different cultures may adopt technology at varying rates due to factors

like economic development, infrastructure availability, and cultural attitudes towards

change.

 Usage Patterns: How technology is used can differ significantly across cultures. For

example, some societies might heavily rely on mobile phones for communication, while

others prioritize desktop computers.

 Education and Literacy: Differences in education levels and digital literacy can impact

how technology is understood and utilized across cultures.

 Cultural Norms: Certain technologies might align with or challenge cultural norms. For

example, video conferencing might align with cultures that emphasize face-to-face

communication.

 Government Regulation: Varying levels of government intervention and regulation can

influence how technology is adopted and used within different cultures.

 Globalization: Global influences can lead to the convergence of technology use across

cultures, as popular platforms and apps become widely adopted worldwide.

 Social Interaction: Technology can impact how people interact socially. Some cultures

might use technology to maintain existing relationships, while others might use it to

establish new connections.