http://www.december.com/cmc/mag/1996/feb/chan4sp.html
Commentators on technology take four main standpoints (though there is, of course, terrain in between) toward technological determinism:
Extreme (also called "strong" or "hard") technological determinists present "Technology" in general (or a particular technology) as either a "sufficient condition" (sole cause) determining widespread societal or behavioral changes, or at least as a "necessary condition" (requiring additional preconditions). This is the stance of those who insist that information technology (or some other technology) will radically transform society and/or our ways of thinking (or has already done so). It is the stance that most enrages contemporary sociologists (who wear rather different spectacles from technologists).
In a more cautious variation of this stance, weak (or "soft") technological determinists present technology as a key factor (amongst others) which may facilitate such changes in society or behavior. This is the perspective which I propose to explore shortly (taking for granted the importance of socio-cultural factors). The tone of technological determinism is often strident. In opposition, two groups downplay the role of technology:
Socio-cultural determinists present technologies and media as entirely subordinate to their development and use in particular socio-political, historical and culturally-specific contexts. This is the stance of most modern sociologists on the issue.
Voluntarists emphasize individual control over the tools which they see themselves as "choosing" to use.