"The guiding question may be read by some as a provocative paradox; from a traditional humanistic perspective, the mechanization of the world and the progressive penetration of technology into social processes and practices are not customarily understood as conducive to people overcoming their limitations or being in any way liberated. Collectively, these processes are, in fact, more often dreaded as a force that constantly challenges and threatens the values that make up the fabric of human society. This perspective (known as the technologically deterministic standpoint), often paired with the perception of impending threats inherent in people's increasing dependence on technology, was popularized by the paradigmatically techno-pessimistic cultural production of the early twentieth century."