Are we molded by Technology?

        In class there was an interesting discussion on whether or not we are molded by technology and whether or not it shapes who we are.  The NRA slogan, guns dont kill people, people kill people was addressed and whether or not we think that's true.  Is culture at the center of our culture and is it the main key factor in shaping our society?  Langdon Winner in our book Culture and Technology would say yes.  He would call it Technological Determinism. I however, would say no.
       I feel that technology does heavily influence our society and how we act, however it does not shape who we are as people.  For example, if you own a gun or a sword or a stick with a sharp point on it and want to kill someone, you are going to do it regardless of how technologically sound the weapon is.  if you are determined to get ahold of someone for something important then whether you right them a letter or ask a friend to tell a friend or call them on your cell phone, you will still get ahold of them.  Technology merely makes these things easier for us to accomplish.  Do some people take advantage of technology? Absolutely.  Yet that doesnt mean that a hermit who sits in his room all day playing video games and being on the computer all day is shaping him.  He chooses to do that, just like we choose to use our cars and our cell phones and e-mail. 
        In conclusion I would like to point out that my disagreement lies in the argument that technology shapes who we are as people.  It definitely does not.  I think it obviously influences the instrumental value of our lives such as driving to work or calling on a cell phone.  But this does not mean its shaping who we are, it is just making who we are easier for us.