Finding Agency in Technological Change

On the Complex Relationship Between Technology and Society

The question of technology's role in society has never been more pressing. The advancement of technology is everywhere. Artificial intelligence drafts our emails, algorithms curate our news, and smart devices monitor our sleep.

Yet amidst this new wave of technological advancement, a crucial question re-emerges: Are we passive recipients of technological change, or active shapers of our digital future?

This isn't just an academic debate. It's a question that carries profound implications for how we live, work, and interact. From the mental health impacts of social media to the potential for AI-driven job displacement, our technological choices have far-reaching consequences. Too often, we either blindly embrace new technologies or reflexively resist them, without critically examining their purpose and impact.

In this article, I attempt to unpack the complex relationship between technology and society, challenging simplistic notions of technological determinism and considering how social factors influence technological development. Through real-world examples and practical advice, I show how individuals can play a role in shaping a technological future that serves human needs and values.

Technological Determinism & the Social Shaping of Technology

The concept of technological determinism – the idea that technology is the primary driver of social change – has long been a subject of debate in academic circles. On one end of the spectrum, we have determinists who argue that technology develops according to its internal logic, shaping society in its wake. On the other, we find social constructivists who posit that technology is entirely shaped by social forces.

But as MacKenzie and Wajcman argue in their seminal work, "The Social Shaping of Technology," this dichotomy is overly simplistic. They propose a more nuanced view: "Technology matters. It matters not just to the material condition of our lives and to our biological and physical environment - that much is obvious - but to the way we live together socially."

This perspective acknowledges the real impact of technology on society while recognizing that social factors significantly influence technological development. It's a two-way street, not a one-way deterministic path.

Consider the development of social media platforms. While it's true that these technologies have reshaped how we communicate and interact, their specific features and uses have been heavily influenced by societal factors. The rise of influencer culture, for instance, wasn't an inevitable outcome of social media technology, but rather a complex interplay between the platforms' affordances and existing social dynamics around celebrity and aspiration.

Paragas and Lin's (2016) framework, based on Burrell and Morgan's paradigms, offers a useful way to map different approaches to technological determinism. They identify four perspectives:

1. Functionalist: Technology objectively shapes society
2. Radical Structuralist: Technology is mutable but drives radical change
3. Radical Humanist: Individuals can subvert technological determinism
4. Interpretivist: Technology and society have a subjective, mutually shaping relationship

Most of us, I'd argue, fall somewhere on this spectrum rather than firmly in one camp. And that's okay – the complexity of the technology-society relationship requires nuanced thinking.

But here's the crux of the matter: regardless of where we fall on this spectrum, we need to approach technology with intention and purpose. The mere existence of a technology doesn't justify its adoption, nor should we create new technologies simply because we can.

Instead, we should view technology as a tool to solve human problems and enhance our lives. This perspective aligns with the concept of "appropriate technology" – the idea that technology should be suited to the environmental, cultural, and economic context in which it is used.

Examples of the Interplay Between Technology & Society

Take the example of One Laptop Per Child (OLPC), a project that aimed to revolutionize education in developing countries by providing low-cost laptops to children. Despite its noble intentions, the project faced numerous challenges and criticisms. Why? Because it approached the complex issue of education with a simplistic, technology-first solution that didn't adequately consider the social, cultural, and economic contexts of its intended users. Now, we are seeing efforts to remove devices from classrooms.

Contrast this with M-Pesa, a mobile phone-based money transfer service that has transformed financial inclusion in Kenya and other developing countries. M-Pesa succeeded because it addressed a real need (access to financial services) in a way that fit into existing social practices and infrastructure.

Let's consider a few more examples that illustrate the complex interplay between technology and society:

1. Remote Work Technology: The rapid adoption of remote work tools during the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrates how societal needs can accelerate technological adoption. However, this shift has also reshaped our work culture, blurring the lines between personal and professional life – an unintended consequence that we're still grappling with. As Morgan Smith reports in CNBC, companies are now grappling with how to balance flexibility and productivity, with some implementing hybrid models that require employees to be in the office 1-2 days a week. This illustrates how technology adoption can lead to broader organizational and cultural changes.
2. Electric Vehicles: The rise of electric vehicles isn't just a story of technological innovation. It's intertwined with environmental concerns, government policies, and changing consumer preferences. A Bloomberg Green analysis shows that once electric vehicles reach a 5% market share in a country, adoption tends to accelerate rapidly. This tipping point has now been reached in 31 countries, demonstrating how societal factors and technological development can create a positive feedback loop.
3. Facial Recognition: The development of facial recognition technology has raised significant privacy and ethical concerns. Its use in law enforcement has been particularly controversial, leading some cities to ban its use. This illustrates how societal pushback can shape the deployment and regulation of technology. The case of Clearview AI, as reported by Kashmir Hill, provides a stark example. Despite the power of its technology, Clearview AI faced significant backlash and legal challenges due to privacy concerns, forcing the company to limit its sales to law enforcement agencies only.
4. Cryptocurrency: The creation of Bitcoin and subsequent cryptocurrencies was driven by a desire to create a decentralized financial system outside of governmental control. However, its development has been shaped by regulatory responses, environmental concerns, and its adoption for both legitimate and illicit purposes. Shahzad et al. highlight how the adoption of Bitcoin as legal tender in El Salvador represents a bold experiment in cryptocurrency adoption at a national level, but also illustrates the challenges of implementing such a system, including issues of financial inclusion and technological infrastructure.

These examples underscore the bidirectional relationship between technology and society and the importance of considering the broader implications of technological development and adoption. They show how technological determinism is often tempered by social, economic, and political factors, resulting in a complex interplay between innovation and societal response.

What Can We Do

For those of us who work to develop and implement technology through digital products, we should continually ask ourselves:

1. What human problem does this technology solve?
2. How does it empower people to live more fulfilling lives?
3. What are the potential unintended consequences?
4. How can we shape this technology to better serve society's needs?

This approach doesn't mean slowing down innovation or technological progress. On the contrary, by focusing on meaningful problems and considering the broader context, we can drive innovation that truly matters.

Even if you're not a decision-maker in a tech company or a policymaker, you have a role to play. Individuals who aren't in positions of power can still shape technology in society. Here's how:

1. Be an Informed Consumer: Before adopting new technologies, research their implications. What problem does it solve? What data does it collect? How might it affect your behavior or relationships?
2. Provide Feedback: Many tech companies have feedback mechanisms. Use them. Report bugs, suggest features, and express concerns. Your voice matters more than you might think.
3. Support Ethical Technology: Vote with your wallet. Support companies and products that align with your values and demonstrate responsible innovation.
4. Engage in Public Discourse: Participate in discussions about technology in your community, on social media, or by contacting your representatives. Public opinion shapes policy and corporate decisions.
5. Educate Others: Share your knowledge with friends and family. Helping others understand the implications of technology can create a more informed society.
6. Practice Intentional Use: Be mindful of how you use technology. Set boundaries, take the apps off of your phone if you need to, and model healthy tech habits for the people, especially kids, around you.

With intention and practical action, we can all play a role in shaping a technological future that serves human needs and values. We do not have to blindly accept the technologies that are created and given to us. Technology should be our tool, not our master. We should use it purposefully to create the kind of society we want to live in.