Tools aren't value neutral

If we accept that language influences the way we think1, then we don't have to make a big leap to see that tools (and technologies) influence the way we think (and act) as well2.  Therefore, it is erroneous to say things like the following:
“The internet isn’t a pro or anti-democratic technology. It is value neutral”
“Powerpoint isn’t good or bad. It is how you use it.”
Couple of telling quotes from McLuhan:
“We shape our tools, and thereafter our tools shape us”
“Our conventional response to all media, name that it is how they are used that counts, it the numb stance of the technological idiot.”
Why am I writing this in the middle of posts on software excellence? Because I need this for my forthcoming posts :)
1. Language influences the way we think
http://www.edge.org/3rd_culture/boroditsky09/boroditsky09_index.html
http://www.amazon.com/Language-Thought-Action-S-I-Hayakawa/dp/0156482401
2. Tools (and technologies) influence the way we act
http://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Media-Extensions-Marshall-McLuhan/dp/0262631598
http://www.amazon.com/Shallows-What-Internet-Doing-Brains/dp/0393072223