I’ve been conducting research on the intersection of technology and society for the past four years. I’m particularly interested in how technologies affect our lives. I use data science and social science methods to investigate how these thoughts influence behavior.

Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of wearing many hats, ranging from a software developer to a data analyst, and even delving into data governance research. My cross-disciplinary background spans both technical and social fields, equipping me with a unique perspective and a broad skill set. This non-traditional background allows me to approach problems from multiple angles, fostering innovative solutions.

What is techno-sociology?

Techno-sociology is the study of technologically induced social change. This can be on a broad scale, such as how globalisation affects our lives, or it can be more specific, such as Facebook or smartphones. This is something I like to think about in terms of “socio-technological trajectories,” which entails looking into how technology is applied, developed, and evolves over time.

My research focuses on how people use technology, but I’m also interested in organisations or institutions involved in the design or implementation of these technologies, as well as data-driven decision making processes.

What is socio-technology?

Socio-technology studies how society influences technology design and development, but it also takes into account the many different types of people and organisations that use these technologies in various ways. Technology does not appear out of nowhere; rather, it is created by humans in response to social pressures and in pursuit of specific goals.

It is impossible to separate technology from society by definition. Our societies are made up of technological artefacts, and technologies influence how we interact with one another.

What is the difference between socio-technology and techno-sociology?

Techno-sociology is more concerned with the impact of technology on society. As a result, it is more important to consider broader social outcomes that go beyond technological design or development.

Socio-technology, on the other hand, focuses on the interaction of technology and society. It investigates how societal values, norms, and practises shape technology. It also uncovers how different groups and individuals use technology.

Techno-sociology and socio-technology are both interdisciplinary fields that use sociology, anthropology, political science, economics, and other disciplines to study the complex relationship between technology and society.

Why are these interdisciplinary approaches important?

The standard approach is to focus on either technology or society separately. We should consider technologies as part of a larger system that includes multiple actors and the human motivations that drive their development and adoption. Technologies, in some ways, are social systems. Digital technologies, such as Blockchain and social media platforms, in particular, are hybrid systems in which humans and nonhumans coexist. These systems have significant societal implications, and it is critical to consider the potential consequences of their adoption and use.

Engineered systems, such as machines, software, or infrastructure, are frequently thought to be separate from the social systems that produce and maintain them. However, complex engineered systems are inextricably linked to the social systems that generate and sustain them.

It is critical to consider technology in a broader context and to comprehend the many different actors and motivations that drive its development and adoption. Technology is not a neutral tool; rather, it is shaped by the values and goals of those who create and use it, as well as the social, economic, and political forces at work.

Take, for example, the creation of a new software system. It is the result of a complex process involving multiple stakeholders, including management, designers, developers, testers, marketers, and users, rather than the work of a single developer or a small team of engineers. The goals, values, and constraints of these various groups, as well as the social, economic, and political context in which it is created, shape the development of the software.

Similarly, software maintenance and its use are shaped not only by technical factors, but also by the social context in which they are used. Different groups may use the software in different ways, and its adoption and use may have social consequences that go beyond its intended technical function. Thus, it is important to consider both the technical and social aspects of engineered systems in order to fully understand how they work and how they impact society.

Techno-sociology and socio-technology can assist us in better understanding these impacts and designing and developing technology that is more responsive to social needs and values. We can create technologies that benefit all stakeholders by taking into account the complex relationships between technology and society.

The Dynamic Interplay Between Technical and Social Systems: Insights from Complexity Science

Complex systems, such as software systems, evolve over time through organic local evolution rather than central top-down planning. This is due to the fact that complex systems are composed of many interconnected parts, each of which can evolve in response to various local conditions and constraints.

As a result, complex systems frequently have a “biology-like” feel to them, with many different parts cooperating in a dynamic and interconnected manner. This is especially true for long-lasting software systems, which may be used by a variety of people in a variety of contexts over time. To meet changing needs, the software can be modified, extended, or adapted, and it can take on a life of its own as it evolves over time.

Understanding the evolution of complex systems, both technical and social, is a key topic in fields such as complexity science and systems thinking. We can better design and manage complex systems for the benefit of all stakeholders if we understand how they evolve and interact with their surroundings.

The people who inspire me in this area are French sociologist Bruno Latour , professor Sherry Turkle (MIT), Nadia Eghbal (Harvard), Matthew Salganik (Princeton), Danah Boyd (Microsoft) as well as Zeynep Tufekci (UNC).