which of the following most accurately describes technological momentum?

22 hours ago 1
Nature

Technological momentum most accurately describes the concept of a system's inertia or resistance to change, where once a technology is widely adopted and integrated into society, it gains momentum that makes it difficult to change or replace. This concept, developed by Thomas P. Hughes, explains the reciprocal relationship between technology and society over time. Initially, society can control and direct technology, but as the technology matures and becomes embedded in social and economic systems, it develops a momentum that resists change and exhibits deterministic characteristics, making the technology more autonomous and hard to influence. This explains why established technologies and their supporting systems tend to continue along their trajectory due to the investments, infrastructures, and social practices intertwined with them.