Religie in een technologische cultuur: over de rol van het sacrale in de ontwikkeling van het gezondheidsportaal PAZIO

This dissertation studies the interaction between technology and religion in our technological culture. In today's world, both technology and religion play an important role, yet they are not often mentioned in one breath. Do they nevertheless have something to do with each other? What is the role of religion in our contemporary technological culture? In technological culture, technology is more than an instrument; technology shapes our thinking and actions. Almost every culture is determined by its religion. Technological culture seems to be an exception. It is characterised as secular and rational. This dissertation shows that nevertheless the technological culture is also religious through and through. On the basis of an ethnographic study into the development of the health portal PAZIO, it is shown that also in a technological culture faith, rituals and community building are fully present and the sacred plays an essential role in technological development. In the technological culture, the individual is sacred and is the obvious measure of things. In addition, there is a great belief in technology. Technology is seen as the way to deliver the individual from problems such as illness, limitations and discomfort. By looking at the role of religion, we can better understand technological developments and our culture.