This book seeks broader critical engagement with the design, development and adoption processes of contemporary digital technologies. Such technology has been the catalyst for great improvements in the fields of medicine, employment, education and communications. Yet, a new digital age has also brought a unique set of societal, cultural and environmental challenges that have yet to be fully understood and, when needed, confronted. It could be argued that aspirations to develop an information super-highway that would be an instrument for human flourishing, has given way to vast stores of worthless trivia and is hijacking our attention at every opportunity. In the absence of robust sociological input at the conceptual stages of digital communication technology development, the probability of these tools and instruments delivering change that is deeply personally, socially, culturally and environmentally damaging will continue to grow. Critical exploration of the organisational, social, political and environmental context of digital communications technology is necessary, without which technology will continue to be left ‘to its own device’ to determine the social and cultural values of societies, for better or worse. The Social, Cultural and Environmental Costs of Hyper-Connectivity investigates the profound effects 21st century digital technology is having on our individual and collective lives and seeks to confront the realities of a new digital age. Changes brought about by digital technology are frequently disruptive and, thus, need to be designed to protect against harm on society.
Author(s): Mike Hynes
Edition: 1
Publisher: Emerald Publishing
Year: 2021
Language: English
Commentary: TruePDF
Pages: 192
Tags: Technology: Social Aspects; Technology: Environmental Aspects; Information Technology: Social Aspects; Social Science, Technology Studies; Sociology
Cover
Half Title Page
Title Page
Copyright Page
Dedication Page
Contents
Acronyms
About the Author
Foreword
Acknowledgements
1 | Introduction
Our New Digital Age
Big Brother Knows Exactly Who You Are!
Understanding Technology: Who Designs the Future?
Understanding the Digital Age
Coming in the Following Chapters?
References
2 | The Digital Behemoths
The Big Four
Google
Amazon
Facebook
Apple
So, What’s the Problem?
Digital Age Sloganism
References
3 | Towards Cultural Homogenisation
Is There Digital Diversity?
The Rise of European Culture
The United States and Big Tech Takes the Reigns
What Digital Wants Digital Gets
Towards Musical Homogenisation
References
4 | The Challenges to Our Innate Cognitive Abilities and Mental Well-being
The Human Costs of Digital Technologies?
Changing Minds?
Humans: The Weakest Link?
Surrendering to the Machine
Precarious Work
A Just Transition
References
5 | The Smartphone: A Weapon of Mass Distraction
Our New Digital Appendage
A Brief History of the Mobile Phones
Attraction and Distraction
Addiction as a Design Feature
The Human Cost of Our Smartphones
References
6 | Online Privacy and Surveillance
The House Is Watching, and Listening
Privacy in the Digital Age
Privacy Matters
Ground Zero for the Digital Surveillance
Digital Surveillance States
The Cambridge Analytica Scandal
Who Protects Our Privacy?
References
7 | Digital Divides
Mind the Gap
The Digital Haves and Have-Nots
The Digital Gender and Race Divides
Big Tech’s Role in Economic Inequality
The Need for Inclusivity
References
8 | An Increasing Ecological Threat
The Ecological Fallacy of Digitalisation
The Ecological Reality: (Over)Consumption and Mounting Waste
The Insatiable Energy Demands of the Digital Age
Big Tech’s Clandestine Role in Intensifying Climate Breakdown
Digital Technology Alone Cannot Save Us?
References
9 | Digital Democracy: The Winners and Losers
The Digital Promise of Democracy
Watching Freedom Fail
Weaponising the Internet against Liberty
A Free and Open Press
Distrust, Disinformation and Discontent
The Retreat from Reality
Back to Reality: Enter the Showman
The Wizards Behind the Curtain
References
10 | Retaking the Reins
Make Digital Get Again
Doing Nothing Is Not an Option
Epilogue
References
Index
