What is the term for the time gap between the appearance of a new technology and the practices that give it meaning?

The term that describes the time gap between the introduction of new technology and the social practices that give it significance is known as culture lag. This concept highlights the ways in which society takes time to adapt to technological advancements. While technology may emerge rapidly, the cultural values, beliefs, and social norms often require additional time to develop in order to fully incorporate and find meaning in that new technology.

For example, consider the rise of the internet; while the technology became available relatively quickly, the societal understanding of its implications, appropriate usage, and the ethical considerations surrounding it took much longer to evolve. This demonstrates culture lag in action, illustrating how society can struggle to keep pace with technological change.

The other options reflect different sociological concepts but do not address this specific phenomenon of timing and adaptation in relation to new technology. Culture shock refers to the confusion or disorientation one might feel when encountering a new culture. Cultural scripts are the expected behaviors and actions associated with particular situations within a culture. Ideology pertains to the underlying beliefs and values that shape a group's perspective but does not specifically relate to the timing of technological adoption.