Technology and DehumanizationLesson

4

Can technology dehumanize society, including our homes and schools? Individualized regard for others can be humanizing. On the other hand, mass media technology can lead to

dangers of dehumanization. It is possible for communicators, namely writers, teachers,

advertisers treating the public, their students and the consumers as machines. They may fail to perceive of their message as humans

with privileges, and motivations of their own.

A communication specialist Phil Lange named six ways that human beings.

0 We turn them on and off whenever it suits our fancy.

0 No explanation is offered on why and what they do.0 Their plans and future are unheard.0 All work and no play.0 Their human worth is judged only by the quality of

their products.0 Human empathy is absent.

In this case student-learners in schools, are treated mechanically:

The teacher-communicator can introduce humanism by:

0 Interaction between communicator/teacher and listener/student.

0 Self evaluation or reflection by listener/student.0 Dialogue or interchange between communicator and

listener.0 Regular meeting and consultations.