Many now view the Information Society as introducing a new class of disadvantage - information poverty. Others would argue that our technologies are shaped by our societal values, that they emerge in answer to an existing need or desire. Those who argue for social shaping do not see technology as having an influence on society. Rather they view the emergence of Information Technology and other advances as the result of defining aspects of recent history such as the Cold War and the increasing trend in commercial and industrial firms to reduce their employee numbers. The reality might be found in the decisions of an individual or group faced with the decision as to whether a new technology should be introduced.
Proponents believe that certain key technologies are the primary cause of changes in society.
Technological determinists see technologies in the areas of communications, transport, materiel and food production in particular as keys to social organisation and change in the past, present and future. New technologies are expected to effect change society all levels, from the nation or organisation to the individual. The alternative view is that the rate and direction of technological development is shaped by society. In this approach the interaction between society and technology is primarily seen as one in which social conditions are the primary impetus for the convergence of existing technologies and research into new fields. In the current commercial climate the emphasis is on cost reduction and efficiency.