DOI: 10.20535/2307-5244.44.2017.105455
V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University
The article explores the influence of new technologies on the social ideas of
Kharkiv inhabitants in the late imperial period. The main methodological approach
of this paper is the qualitative content analysis of the main Kharkiv periodical issues,
such as «Utro», «Juzhnyj kraj», and «Zhalo». First of all, we studied the attitude
toward the new transport system, such as tram and horse-drawn railway.
The aviation as entertainment is described. Attention was paid to the criticism of
telephone. The phenomenon of imagined invention is highlighted. In results, it was
found that there was an ambivalent attitude to the innovation among Kharkiv inhabitants.
On the one hand, it was positive and enthusiastic, on the other new technologies
arose a fear, sometimes even a demonization of machines. Such negative
view could be partly explained by imperfection and a risk of being injured,
which increased by ignorance of safety rules.
Keywords: innovation, periodical issues, modernization, social perceptions.
