Social Constructivism in Technology

Contrary to popular belief, technologies are not unique to the human race. Examples of technologies in nature are much more prevalent than one may think, and once this realization occurs, it can be rather easy to recognize that other animals utilize technologies as well. Birds make nests, monkeys use and make tools, and otters use rocks to crack open clams. The separation from what we consider to be technologies and basic artifacts is the intent behind the use of said artifacts. With the differing theories of how technology progresses and affects society, many people submit to the idea that technology is the driving force of our society. It is up to the people, to society, to determine how technology influences the world, whereas theories such as hard determinism and soft determinism imply that technology has power and influence over society. Deterministic theories fail to account for the cultural and social dimensions of technology, which could inadvertently reinforce existing inequalities and power imbalances in society. Social constructivism is a theoretical perspective that is more beneficial in comparison to other theories because it recognizes that technology is a product of human beliefs, values, and social structure. Rather than technology being neutral or deterministic, this theory allows for a more nuanced understanding of how technology is shaped by society and in turn shapes society, creating a more informed and responsible use of technology that promotes social justice and democratic participation.

Social constructivism, when applied to science in technology, rejects the notion of technology shaping human behavior and having control over society. The concept of social constructivism, first introduced by Peter Berger and Thomas Luckmann in their text The Social Construction of Reality, includes the basic argument that “stable social institutions emerge from highly flexible possibilities at the individual and interactional level, which become externalized and objectivated, eventually being taken for granted as realities” (Lynch). The idea of social construction essentially means that society is created by humans and human interactions, often referred to as habitualization (Berger and Luckmann). We construct our society and also accept it as it is because others before us constructed it. Applying Berger and Luckmann’s generalized concept of social construction in reality toward technology in society suggests that when analyzing the uses of technical artifacts, the “interpretive flexibility” of the technology must be considered (Winner). Thus, viewing technology as a subjective tool infers that there can be a variety of interpretations of a particular technology and how it is used. Therefore, social constructivism in technology does not support the idea of a unified viewpoint, and respects any individual’s intent with a given technology. Groups and individuals can actively shape the use and development of technology to reflect their own values, beliefs, and goals. Consequently, societal outcomes and human behavior are neither dictated nor perpetuated by technology, in theory. On account of the acknowledgment of the role of human agency in technology use, there is also the threat of negative or obstructive uses of technology. This, however, depends on the individual(s) using the technology, and social constructivism encourages reflection on how to responsibly use and design technology to benefit society as a whole.

Social media is an excellent example of the role of human agency in technology, as the prevalence of freedom of speech is very evident within this technological entity. Moreover, technology can be used and designed in ways that encourage and promote social justice as well as democratic participation when viewed through the lens of social constructivism. The development of different social media platforms within the past few decades has allowed a space for individuality in the use of technology. Social media has been used in many beneficial ways such as amplifying the voices of the marginalized and facilitating social movements, especially in recent years. Social constructivism in technology demonstrates that technology is a complex social and cultural artifact that reflects the values and intentions of those who create and use it. As a result, we are highly encouraged to reflect on the ways in which we use technology and to use it responsibly and conscientiously. Recognizing the socially constructed nature of technology and the potential impacts it may have on society is a critical aspect of social construction in technology. With this in mind, groups and individuals can work to promote equitable and inclusive technologies that foster social justice and civic engagement in society. Deterministic theories view technology as an independent power and do not account for the ways in which social norms and values contribute to technology design and use. It seems to be catered in favor of those with greater access to technology, using its benefits for their own interests. Social constructivism puts society in charge, allowing for a more socially aware approach to technology and how it is utilized. This perspective highlights the importance of creating and using technology responsibly while prioritizing social justice, democratic participation, and equity in society.

Social constructivism in technology as a whole offers a more socially aware and comprehensive approach to technology and its uses. This theory provides a better way to view technology as it emphasizes the understanding that technology is not neutral and is in fact a product of social and cultural forces shaped by human beliefs, values, and social structures. This nuanced approach allows for technology to be designed and used to benefit society as a whole, not just a select few. Technology can impact society both positively and negatively, and social constructivism calls for critical reflection on the ways technology is both created and used. By applying a socially constructive perspective, society would benefit more due to the individual agency it allows as well as the social justice and democratic participation it promotes.

References (Format error)

Berger, Peter Ludwig, and Thomas Luckmann. The Social Construction of Reality. Penguin 

Books, 1976. 

Lynch, Michael. “Social Constructivism in Science and Technology Studies.” Human Studies, 

vol. 39, no. 1, 2016, pp. 101–12. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/24757474. Accessed 

18 Apr. 2023.

Winner, Langdon. “Upon Opening the Black Box and Finding It Empty: Social Constructivism 

and the Philosophy of Technology.” Science, Technology, & Human Values, vol. 18, no. 

3, 1993, pp. 362–78. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/689726. Accessed 18 Apr. 2023.