Everand Logo

Welcome to Everand!

  • Discover millions of ebooks, audiobooks, and so much more with a free trial

    From $11.99/month after trial. Cancel anytime.

    "The Sociology of Information Technology": GoodMan, #1
    "The Sociology of Information Technology": GoodMan, #1
    "The Sociology of Information Technology": GoodMan, #1
    Ebook322 pages2 hours

    "The Sociology of Information Technology": GoodMan, #1

    By Patrick Mukosha

    ()

    Read preview

    About this ebook

    "The Sociology of Information Technology" explores the complex interplay between technology and society, showing how social structures, conventions, and interactions are shaped by and shaped by information technology breakthroughs. By means of an extensive analysis of past viewpoints, conceptual models, and current concerns, this book provides an understanding of the complex effects of technology on several facets of human existence.

     

    The book starts out by outlining the basic ideas of information technology sociology, highlighting how society and technology are mutually dependent. The historical development of information technology is then traced, stressing significant changes in society along the way, from the printing press' invention to the internet's launch and beyond.

     

    With a focus on several theoretical frameworks such as conflict theory, functionalism, and symbolic interactionism, the book offers analytical instruments to comprehend the intricate relationships between technology and society. It looks at how differences in access to technology and its effects on social stratification are examined, as well as how socioeconomic factors contribute to the digital divide.

     

    A thorough examination is conducted of the effects of information technology on politics, health, education, social interaction, work, and culture. The book covers the entire gamut of the digital age, from the emergence of social networks and online communities to the moral conundrums related to privacy and monitoring.

     

    The urgent concerns covered include cybersecurity, globalization, environmental effects, cybercrime, and ethical issues. These should cause readers to critically explore the societal implications of technology and the moral obligations of those who build, use, and regulate it.

     

    The book's last chapters make predictions about probable developments in the sociology of information technology, stressing the opportunities, problems, and possible social effects of emerging technologies.

     

    "The Sociology of Information Technology" is a must-read for academics, professionals, and students who want to comprehend and navigate the digital age since it provides a thorough account of the intricate interactions that exist between technology and society. This book challenges readers to think critically about the societal ramifications of information technology and to imagine paths towards a more equitable future through its interdisciplinary approach and nuanced analysis.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherPatrick Mukosha
    Release dateMay 21, 2024
    ISBN9798224384327
    "The Sociology of Information Technology": GoodMan, #1
    Author

    Patrick Mukosha

    Patrick Mukosha is an ICT & Management Consultant. With 15+ years of IT experience, he's passionate about all things ICT. He also loves to bring ICT down to a level that everyone can understand. His works have been quoted on Academia by Researchers and ICT Practitioners (www.academia.edu). He has a PHD and MBA from AIU, USA, BSc(Hons) ICT, UEA, UK, Dipl, CCT, UK. He's a founder of PatWest Technologies.

    Related to "The Sociology of Information Technology"

    Titles in the series (32)

    View More
    View More

    Related ebooks

    Computers For You

    View More
    View More

    Related podcast episodes

    Related articles

    • UNLIMITED

      Does Custom Political News Hurt Democracy?

      Apr 27, 2017

      Customizing political news online to filter out what doesn’t align with your beliefs may have real-world negative effects on democracy. A new study, published in the journal Computers in Human Behavior is among the first to experimentally test the po

      3 min read

    • UNLIMITED

      Virtual Worlds, Real Rights

      Dec 21, 2023

      Information technology is reshaping human society in both breadth and depth. As technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data and blockchain continue to evolve and become widely applied, people are becoming increasingly dependent on digitize

      4 min read

    • UNLIMITED

      The Next Great Experiment

      May 2, 2017

      The Next Great Experiment
      1 min read

    • UNLIMITED

      We’re ‘Addicted’ To Socializing—not Our Smartphones

      Feb 7, 2018

      We may be glued to our smartphones because of an evolutionary drive for socializing, rather than a technological addiction to them, new research suggests. “…we need to start having a conversation about the appropriate way to use smartphones…” The des

      1 min read

    • UNLIMITED

      Protecting the Public Commons

      May 16, 2017

      Protecting the Public Commons
      3 min read

    • UNLIMITED

      “Move Carefully and Discuss Things”: Taking back our Public Square

      Sep 30, 2021

      Over time, our gossiping gave way to storytelling, which specialised into debate, became codified in politics, and institutionalised into media. The rich tangle of conversation, news gathering, announcement broadcasting, protest, and information exch

      10 min read

    • UNLIMITED

      Mobilise Citizens To Rein In Social Media Giants, Study Finds

      May 27, 2019

      Smart regulation and “human responses,” rather than a narrow focus on content moderation alone, are needed to counter the threat to democracy posed by digital media platforms as they currently operate, a newly-launched study has found. The Law Founda

      2 min read

    • UNLIMITED

      Technology At The Crossroads

      Dec 31, 2018

      Technology At The Crossroads
      7 min read

    • UNLIMITED

      Building Safer Online Spaces In Myanmar

      Aug 12, 2020

      “Facebook was, and continues to be, the favored tool for disseminating hate speech and misinformation against the Rohingya people, Muslims in general, and other marginalized communities.”

      4 min read

    • UNLIMITED

      Modern Media Is a DoS Attack on Your Free Will

      Sep 21, 2017

      It’s not that James Williams, a doctoral candidate at the Oxford Internet Institute’s Digital Ethics Lab (motto: “Every Bit as Good”), had a “God, what I have I done?” moment during his time at Google. But it did occur to him that something had gone

      9 min read

    • UNLIMITED

      Data Doesn’t Speak, People Do!

      Mar 3, 2022

      Science Network guest blogger Professor Barbara Allen describes how scientists can better engage with communities for the best impact from their work.

      2 min read

    • UNLIMITED

      Conflict in My Outlook

      Aug 31, 2022

      Conflict in My Outlook
      2 min read

    Related categories

    Reviews for "The Sociology of Information Technology"

    0 ratings

    0 ratings0 reviews

    What did you think?

    Tap to rate

    Review must be at least 10 words

      Book preview

      "The Sociology of Information Technology" - Patrick Mukosha

      1.1.  Understanding the Intersection of Society and Technology

      Technology and society have a closely entwined relationship that has changed dramatically over time. At first, technology was used to provide food, provide shelter, and facilitate communication—basic human needs. But as civilizations developed, technology advanced in complexity and started influencing social structures, cultural norms, and behavioural patterns.

      The way societies operate has been profoundly altered by important historical turning points like the Industrial Revolution, the printing press, and the internet. Every technology development altered how humans interacted, worked, communicated, and even perceived the world. For example, the internet transformed international trade and communication, creating a society that is increasingly linked and information-rich.

      These days, technology influences every part of our lives, from how we work and amuse ourselves to how we stay in touch with people and obtain information. Blockchain, the Internet of Things, and artificial intelligence are examples of emerging technologies that have the potential to further transform civilization.

      Understanding Science, Technology, and Society (STS) is the focus of this book. STS is an interdisciplinary field of study that looks at how scientific advancements and technological developments affect society and vice versa. Modernization theory, social constructivism, and path dependence are a few of the theories related to STS. Using a theoretical lens to examine the advancement of science and technology helps scholars better comprehend trends and indicators of future progress. In relation to STS, ideas like race and gender are also examined in order to give a full circle understanding of the STS concept.

      1.2.  What Role Does Science and Technology Play in Modern Society?

      The growth and development of contemporary society are largely dependent on science and technology. They solve important difficulties, stimulate innovation, and enhance quality of life. The ways that science and technology influence several facets of societal evolution are examined in detail below, with pertinent examples to highlight their significance.

      1.2.1. Economic Growth and Development:

      Industry and Innovation:

      Example: An illustration would be the growth of Silicon Valley's tech sector.

      Justification: Innovation is sparked by science and technology and results in the development of new markets and employment opportunities. Known for its start-ups and technological innovations, Silicon Valley has developed into a global centre for economic growth, drawing capital and talent from all over the world.

      Efficiency and Productivity:

      Example: Manufacturing automation is one example.

      Explanation: By automating repetitive processes, decreasing errors, and cutting manufacturing costs, technologies like robotics and AI improve productivity. Competitiveness and economic output are increased by this efficiency.

      1.2.2.  Medical Care and Medicines

      Medical Advancements:

      Example: Vaccine development, such as the COVID-19 vaccine.

      Justification: The invention of vaccinations, which have prevented the spread of infectious illnesses and saved millions of lives, is the result of scientific study and technological developments. The quick development of COVID-19 vaccinations is an example of how technology and science may respond to international health emergencies.

      Medical Technologies:

      Example: For instance, CT and MRI scanners.

      Justification: State-of-the-art medical technology facilitate precise disease detection and efficient treatment. Non-invasive internal examinations made possible by MRI and CT scanners promote early detection and improved patient outcomes.

      1.2.3.  Connectivity and Communication

      Global Communication:

      Example: Mobile networks and the internet are two examples.

      Justification: The internet has completely changed communication by enabling instantaneous connections with people all over the world. Mobile networks have improved connectivity even more, making it possible to communicate and access information even on the road.

      Social Media and Information Exchange:

      Example: Examples of these platforms include YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter.

      Justification: Social media sites allow for the quick exchange of ideas and information, which promotes international dialogue and cooperation. They are now effective instruments for awareness-raising and social change.

      1.2.4.  Education and Information Sharing

      Online Education and E-Learning:

      Example: Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) such as edX and Coursera are one example.

      Justification: By removing financial and geographic constraints, online education platforms enable people all around the world to have access to high-quality education. MOOCs provide courses from prestigious universities, promoting skill development and lifetime learning.

      Educational Technologies:

      Example: Khan Academy is one example of an interactive learning platform.

      Justification: Interactive and customized learning is made possible by digital tools and platforms. For example, Khan Academy provides interactive exercises and instructional films on a variety of disciplines.

      1.2.5.  Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development

      Renewable Technologies:

      Example: Wind turbines and solar panels are two examples.

      Justification: The development of renewable energy technology is essential to the goal of sustainable development. Clean energy sources like solar and wind turbines lessen reliance on fossil fuels and help to slow down global warming.

      Environmental Surveillance:

      Example: Examples include remote sensing devices and satellite photography.

      Justification: These technologies make it possible to track changes in the environment, including pollution, deforestation, and climatic patterns. The creation of successful environmental policies and conservation plans is aided by accurate data.

      1.2.6.  Infrastructure and Transportation:

      Advanced Transportation Systems:

      Example: Autonomous and electric cars are two examples.

      Justification: Transportation technology advancements like electric and self-driving vehicles increase productivity, cut pollutants, and boost security. Leading companies in the development of these advanced technologies are Tesla and others.

      Smart Cities:

      Example: An illustration would be integrated public services and traffic management systems.

      Explanation: Traffic management, energy distribution, and public safety are just a few of the services that smart city technologies integrate and optimize using the Internet of Things. Better resource management and living conditions in cities result from this.

      1.2.7.  Improving Quality of Life:

      Consumer Technology:

      Example: Examples are smart home appliances and smartphones.

      Justification: Convenience, connectivity, and entertainment are three ways that consumer electronics enhance everyday living. Smartphones are now necessary for business, play, and communication, while smart home appliances improve living spaces with automation and remote control.

      Media and Entertainment:

      Example: Gaming platforms and streaming services such as Netflix are two examples.

      Justification: Diverse and immersive experiences are made possible by technological improvements in entertainment. While gaming platforms offer social interaction and interactive enjoyment, streaming services give content that is available whenever it's needed.

      In summary, modern civilization is built on the foundations of science and technology, which propel advancement in many fields. They make it possible for the economy to expand, improve healthcare, foster better communication, progress education, encourage sustainability, transform transportation, and raise people's standard of living. The future is still being shaped by the advancement and integration of science and technology, which is tackling global issues and opening up new avenues for development and innovation. We create the conditions for a prosperous and sustainable future by encouraging a culture that values scientific research and technical advancement.

      1.3.  IT Professionals Must Comprehend This Intersection:

      The social issues that come up in daily life serve as an inspiration for creativity. Technology helps us get beyond barriers that restrict our capabilities. Social determinism holds that technological advancements are made in response to the demands and preferences of society.

      Therefore, understanding how society and technology interact is essential for IT professionals for a number of reasons:

      1.3.1. Creating Relevant Solutions: IT professionals can create technological solutions that are more significant and relevant by having a thorough awareness of society's demands, beliefs, and behaviours. Taking into account the societal context when creating software programs, creating user interfaces, or putting cybersecurity measures in place guarantees that technology effectively meets the needs of users.

      1.3.2. Reducing Adverse Effects: Technology may have unanticipated effects on society that include escalating inequality, violating private rights, or sustaining prejudices. IT professionals are essential in recognizing and reducing these detrimental effects through responsible innovation, ethical design, and policy advocacy for diversity and fairness.

      1.3.3. Facilitating Digital Transformation: To remain competitive and relevant in the modern digital era, firms in every industry are undertaking digital transformation. As major forces behind this change, IT professionals must comprehend cultural trends and preferences in order to create strategies that meet changing expectations from society and consumers.

      1.3.4. Handling Ethical Dilemmas: As technology is developed and implemented, ethical issues become more crucial. IT professionals frequently encounter moral conundrums involving data protection and algorithmic prejudice that call for a thorough comprehension of cultural norms and values. IT professionals can sustain ethical standards in their job and make more informed decisions by tackling these issues.

      Essentially, knowing how society and technology interact enables IT professionals to develop more responsible and significant technological solutions that have a good influence on people, businesses, and society at large.

      1.4.  Sociology of Information Technology – What is it?

      A basic grasp of the ways in which technology interacts with social structures, norms, and behaviors can be obtained by introducing the sociology of information technology.

      This is a synopsis:

      1.4.1. Definition and Extent: The Sociology of Information Technology studies how human civilizations and technical advancements interact. It includes both the historical evolution of technology and current concerns about the interconnectedness of the world. Scholars working in this area investigate how digital technologies affect social dynamics, resource accessibility, and pre-existing scale hierarchies. Thus, Sociology of Information Technology examines the social aspects of technology, with a particular emphasis on the interactions between IT networks, devices, and systems and society. It looks at how social processes—such as political, economic, cultural, and organizational dynamics—shape technology and are shaped by it.

      1.4.1.1.  Key Concepts:

      Technological Determinism: This theory postulates that technology influences human behaviour and propels social change. It discusses whether society drives the advancement and application of technology or if technology dictates social results.

      Social Construction Technology (SCOT): SCOT highlights how social variables impact technology's creation, application, and design. It emphasizes how technology are social constructs that mirror societal values, interests, and power structures rather than being neutral.

      Digital Divide: Inequalities in access to and usage of information and communication technologies (ICTs) are referred to as the "digital divide." It includes differences in digital literacy, internet access, and the capacity to use technology for both social and commercial gain.

      Network Society: The term "Network Society," which was first used by sociologist Manuel Castells, refers to a social structure in which networked communication technologies have a ubiquitous influence. The significance of networks in forming identities, power hierarchies, and social interactions is emphasized.

      Surveillance Society: Massively parallel data collecting, monitoring, and analysis is made possible by pervasive digital technologies in this society. Concerns concerning autonomy, privacy, and the effects of surveillance on social control and democracy are brought up by this.

      1.4.1.2.  Societal Implications:

      Social Inequality: The use of information technology has the potential to both worsen and improve current social inequities. It affects socioeconomic results by affecting access to healthcare, work prospects, education, and political engagement.

      Cultural Transformation: Technology has a transformative effect on cultural practices, conventions, and identities. It influences entertainment, communication, and the emergence of online communities, promoting the globalization and hybridization of cultures.

      Political Power Dynamics: Politics, activism, and governance frameworks are all impacted by information technology. It affects democracy and the allocation of power by making new types of political engagement, monitoring, censorship, and control possible.

      1.4.1.3.  Challenges and Opportunities:

      Ethical Dilemmas: As technology develops and is used more widely, ethical questions about digital rights, privacy, surveillance, data ownership, and algorithmic prejudice are brought up.

      Digital Rights and Governance: International collaboration, legal frameworks, and public involvement are necessary to guarantee digital rights, cybersecurity, and accountability in the digital era.

      Responsible Innovation: Encouraging responsible innovation means taking into account how technology will affect society at every stage of the process—from design to development to implementation. Stakeholder participation, interdisciplinary cooperation, and a dedication to moral standards are necessary.

      Navigating the intricate interactions between technology and society requires an understanding of information technology sociology. It fosters a more just, inclusive, and sustainable digital future by empowering people, organizations, and policymakers to foresee and address the societal ramifications of technical breakthroughs.

      1.5.  The Role of Technology in Shaping Society

      The new information and communication technologies' (ICTs') technological characteristics are beginning to take center stage in explanations of modern development and change. Many sociologists believe that the most important social trends and changes have their roots in technology.

      I would also add to this a propensity to interpret or conceive these technologies in terms of their technical characteristics and to establish their relationship to the sociological domain in terms of their uses and effects. The task facing sociology is not so much to downplay the importance of technology as it is to provide analytical frameworks that enable us to comprehend the intricate interactions between technology and society.

      Technology has a significant impact on how society is shaped in many ways, including how individuals connect, communicate, work, and live their lives. Technology, from antiquated instruments to contemporary digital advancements, has played a pivotal role in propelling societal advancement and metamorphosis.

      Here is a synopsis:

      1.5.1. Economic Impact: Technology stimulates economic growth by raising industry-wide productivity, efficiency, and innovation. Artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and automation are changing the nature of employment, which is displacing workers in some industries and opening up new ones in others. Online marketplaces, digital payment methods, and e-commerce platforms have transformed international trade and commerce while increasing consumer choice and market reach.

      1.5.2. Social Impact: Through messaging apps, social media, and online communities, technology helps people communicate and interact with one another. Social networking sites have revolutionized the way individuals communicate, exchange knowledge, and organize for social issues, influencing group identities and movements. Digital technologies have also had an impact on relationships, societal conventions, and behaviours. These effects range from altered family dynamics to altered dating patterns.

      1.5.3. Cultural Impact: Through internet content, entertainment platforms, and digital media, technology affects how culture is expressed, consumed, and disseminated. Social networking platforms, digital publishing, and streaming services have made it easier for people of all backgrounds to access culture and have their voices heard. But even in the digital age, worries about cultural uniformity, digital piracy, and the decline of traditional cultural traditions remain.

      1.5.4. Political Impact: Through social media campaigns, online forums, and digital advocacy platforms, technology enables citizens to participate in politics, activism, and civic life. Governments may improve public services, increase transparency, and support e-governance projects with the use of digital tools. However, technology also brings up issues of censorship, monitoring, and political information manipulation, underscoring the necessity of digital literacy and moral governing structures.

      1.5.5. Environmental Impact: Environmental problems including pollution, resource depletion, and climate change are both exacerbated and lessened by technology. There are potential to solve environmental issues and foster ecological resilience through the use of green technologies, renewable energy sources, and sustainable activities. However, the increase in energy use, digital carbon footprints, and technological trash present serious environmental

      Enjoying the preview?
      Page 1 of 1