Social construction of technology PDF

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Social construction of technology...

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Social Construction of Technology is a theory advocated by social constructivists that contends that technology does not determine human action, but, rather, that human action shapes technology. One of SCOT’s conceptual framework is interpretive flexibility. This idea states that technology design is an open process that can produce different outcomes depending on the social circumstances of development. Take students as a social group for example. In certain circumstances, the Internet is considered a very powerful tool for students to help them be successful and in other situations a very addictive "drug" for students. In light of these two evaluations, we first consider the internet as a very useful tool. Students can communicate and collaborate on various ideas much easier with the internet. Information can be acquired with the touch of a screen unlike the tedious work of looking through many books. On the other hand, the Internet can be seen as a destructive factor. Social media addiction is one of the disruptive aspects of the internet. The fear of missing out, which is a social construct, is one way the Internet is considered addictive. Excessive dependence on social media makes FOMO a tool to increase the use of social media and consequentially leading to less time being put towards productivity. The concept of the relevant social group is another component of the SCOT approach. Since FOMO has become part of most millennials’ culture, the urge to stay online has made the design of online services like YouTube and Instagram become oriented around time spent viewers glued to their screens. The perception of self-identity comes about from our interactions with other people and expectations from society. Technological designs are created to suit and sometimes exploit these identities.

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