How does access (or lack of access) to digital technology effect a culture?  I think the primary way in which a culture is affected by digital technology is in the are of information flow within a group, whether that be a country, or a group isolated within a larger population, such as certain religous sects that shun modern technology.

By controling the flow of information in and out of a group, an individual, group or even a government in effect censors information.  It is easier to control a people when they cannot communicate, and usually the first action in a coup d’etat is to cut off TV, radio, cell transmission, newspapers and other forms of communication and media.

Governments that control access to digital technology have greater control over the way their people think.  By supressing the flow of information, it becomes much more difficult for new ideas to take hold and for groups with common interests to be formed.  Many countries regulate technology in the name of religion, but for the most part it is simply a measure of control over a group of people.

That is not to say that free access to technology doesn’t create problems as well.  A lot of what happened on 9/11 can be attributed to the hijackers ability to communicate freely right under the noses of our governement.  Or how many subcultures do you see in  your school or town that was not there a few years ago…gothics, gangs, etc.?  A lot of their existance  can be contributed to thoughts and ideas that flow freely across the net.

So technology is and will continue to be a two-edged sword, so to speak.  We must be careful not to cut ourselves…..remember ….your mother warned you about playing with knives!