Technological Determinism: Impact on The Tech Sales Industry

Technological determinism implies that a society’s technology determines a society’s cultural values and social structure. Historians believe that the term originated from Thorstein Veblen, an American economist, and sociologist. However, Karl Marx gave the first significant elaboration of technological determinism. He thought a nation’s technological development determines social relations and cultural practices.

For example, according to technological determinism, society creates smartphones before people need them. However, the smartphone then becomes a primary governing force in how a community lives. Furthermore, technological determinism makes our cultural expectations. In turn, it creates a collective set of customs and morals that direct how we behave.

Technological determinism is a controversial topic. Many experts suggest that believing in technological determinism means believing that humans have no control over the evolution of their lives. Either way, it’s a popular theory, and you can link it to today’s times.

Effects on the tech industry

The technology industry has boomed recently. The COVID-19 pandemic has encouraged people to use technology more. A survey of worldwide CEOs found that companies accelerated the speed of their digitalization by four years.

Companies now need to use more technology to influence society. They also need technology to change how they communicate and manage their employees. In addition, companies have had to make their process digital. Examples include technological changes to online shopping, delivery, and contactless payment systems.

When you decide to work in tech sales as a career, you’re at the forefront of changing how a society operates. The technology industry is growing, and experts believe the industry will be worth $5 trillion by the end of 2021. There are so many products that can change the world, and you’re at the forefront of bringing them to the people.

Examples of technological determinism in the modern era.

1 - Social media

If there’s anything that has altered the life of human beings, it has to be the growth of social media. The most popular social media websites include Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. In addition, the Chinese-based app TikTok has gained massive traction in the past two years, which is now worth over $250 billion.

Experts believe that social media usage will increase to 3.43 billion active monthly users by the close of 2023. There are 4.2 billion active social media users now, with 4.15 billion people active on social media through their mobile phones.

According to further research, social media users spend 145 minutes on average per day on social media. You probably didn’t know that social media has infiltrated the lives of 7.7 billion people since it began in 1996. In fact, in 2010, only 970 million people worldwide had social media networks.

By 2020, over 3.81 billion people had a social media network page. The COVID-19 pandemic encouraged people to communicate with their friends through social media.

In the United States alone, over 231.47 million people have a social media account. That accounts for a growth of around 3.1% from 2019 to 2020 alone. Here are some stats on the most popular social media companies:

• Facebook has 2.7 billion active monthly users
• YouTube has 2 billion active monthly users
• WhatsApp has 2 billion monthly active users
• Facebook Messenger has 1.3 billion monthly active users

Experts argue about the impact of social media. Some believe it’s a force for positive human change, but many argue it’s brought about negative human change. Either way, social media is a prime example of technological determination.

Working in tech sales as a career in the social media space can be highly lucrative and influential. Companies need highly skilled sales staff to sell social media platforms and brands to customers and businesses. In addition, people who work in tech sales in the social media space can genuinely affect the lives of fellow humans.

2 - Artificial intelligence

The growth of artificial intelligence is likely to be a gamechanger in the way humans behave and act as the 21st century progresses. In recent decades, artificial intelligence has broken into the real world. As a result, it’s becoming one of the most influential and essential technologies of our time.

Economists expect the growth of AI to increase by 33.2% between 2020 and 2027. Experts value the global AI market to be worth $327 billion. The largest AI patent owner globally is IBM. However, telecommunications and healthcare have adopted AI technology.

Furthermore, experts also predict artificial intelligence to eliminate millions of jobs worldwide. However, it would also create 2.4 million brand-new jobs. Over 38% of people believe that AI will eventually eliminate their job.

Economists also expect the U.S. to see a 16% decrease in jobs by the end of the decade as AI grows. About 63% of CEOs of major companies also believe that AI will positively impact society, just like the internet did in the 90s.

In truth, experts debate whether AI will be positive for the human race. Of course, it will make life far more manageable. But it’s likely to shift jobs and the global economy in an unprecedented manner. Just like the internet changed the global economy, but maybe even more significant. There are so many tech sales jobs in the AI sector. Companies need world-class sales staff to bring excellent AI products to the market. These products include the following:

• Robots
• Facial recognition
• Self-driving cars
• Self-driving planes
• Automated chatbots

When you choose sales as a career in the AI space, you will be shaping society well into the future. It’s a prime example of technological determinism.

3 - Drones

Drones have exploded in popularity in recent years. Drone technology started as hobbyist gadget technology for those looking to capture incredible photos and videos. Nonetheless, these flying gadgets are a prime example of technological determinism. Various industries, including the movie industry, construction industry, photography industry, farming industry, and so many more, have been directly impacted by the introduction of drones.

In 2020, the sales of consumer drones grew to over $1.25 billion, with over 8% of Americans now owning a drone. In addition, over 15% of Americans have flown a drone at some point in their lives. Experts believe that drones will improve the workplace and change human habits in the following ways:

• Increase work efficiency
• Improve productivity
• Decrease workload
• Refine customer service
• Change security and military operations
• Decrease business costs

Furthermore, the EU Commission believes that drones will account for 20,000 flights every single year in Paris. Experts also predict drones could become transportation providers for humans. They also think drones will become excellent for increasing survival rates in disaster zones. These places include areas hit by floods, hurricanes, or earthquakes.

Drones are part of the world’s future, and if you work in tech sales, you can help bring drones to the market. Drones are a form of technology that can better humanity. The industry needs highly skilled salespeople to promote the products.

Learn more when you join Uvaro

The future is phenomenal for tech sales, and there are growing careers in this sector. Tech sales as a career is an excellent way to learn about technology, make good money, and gain invaluable skills that can be applied throughout your life.

Check out Uvaro's available courses to identify how we can prepare you for success in tech sales (and maybe more!)

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