It is often assumed that technology shapes society without itself being
subject to profound social influences. Supposedly, the most efficient
configuration of technical resources will be discovered by technologists
and will then determine social evolution. But this assumption is now
challenged in technology studies. We have learned that technologies
are the products of society through and through, that they meet the
demands of various social actors and that they reflect rather than
determine society.
-- Andrew Feenberg "The changing debate over online
education." AFT On Campus vol.20 n.7 (April 2001) p.12.