Posted: May 1st, 2024

Technology’s religion: modern tribal practices

Technology’s religion: modern tribal practices

Technology has become more than a tool for human advancement. It has also become a way of expressing one’s identity, values and beliefs. Technology’s religion, as some scholars have called it, is the phenomenon of forming communities and rituals around the use and consumption of technological products and services. These communities, or tribes, are often based on shared preferences, interests and lifestyles that are mediated by technology. Technology’s religion is not a new concept, but it has gained prominence in the digital age, where social media platforms, online forums and virtual worlds enable people to connect and communicate with others who share their technological passions.

One example of technology’s religion is the cult-like devotion that some Apple fans have for the company and its products. Apple fans are known for their loyalty, enthusiasm and willingness to pay premium prices for the latest gadgets. They often queue for hours or days to get their hands on new releases, attend product launch events and follow the news and rumors about the company. Some Apple fans even have tattoos of the company’s logo or products, or visit the garage where Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak started the company as a pilgrimage site. Apple fans see themselves as part of a creative, innovative and rebellious tribe that challenges the status quo and values design, simplicity and quality.

Another example of technology’s religion is the emergence of online gaming communities that create their own cultures, norms and rituals. Online gamers are not just playing games, but also participating in social interactions, forming friendships and alliances, and developing identities and roles within virtual worlds. Some online gamers even adopt religious practices, such as praying, worshipping or performing ceremonies, within the game environment or in relation to the game characters. Online gaming communities can also transcend the boundaries of the virtual world and influence the real world, such as by organizing charity events, political protests or social movements.

Technology’s religion is not without its critics, who argue that it can have negative effects on individuals and society. Some critics claim that technology’s religion can lead to addiction, isolation, alienation or loss of identity. Others contend that technology’s religion can foster consumerism, materialism, conformity or fanaticism. Still others warn that technology’s religion can undermine traditional religions, values or morals. Technology’s religion can also create conflicts or tensions between different tribes or groups that have opposing or incompatible views or interests regarding technology.

Technology’s religion is a complex and dynamic phenomenon that reflects the changing role and meaning of technology in human life. It shows how technology can shape and be shaped by human culture, psychology and spirituality. Technology’s religion can be seen as a form of expression, connection and belonging, but also as a source of challenge, controversy and change.

References:

– Campbell, H. (2010). When Religion Meets New Media. Routledge.
– Dawson, L. L., & Cowan, D. E. (Eds.). (2004). help write my dissertation on Religion Online: Finding Faith on the Internet. Routledge.
– Lindtner, S., Anderson, K., & Dourish, P. (2012). Cultural appropriation: Information technologies as sites of transnational imagination. Proceedings of the ACM 2012 conference on Computer Supported Cooperative Work – CSCW ’12.
– Wagner, R. (2012). Godwired: Religion, Ritual and Virtual Reality. Routledge.

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