Zemnukhova L. Civil society and Monitoring of Social Effect of Technology. In: Asmolov G., Ed. Horizon Scanning: the Role of Information Technology in the Future of Civil Society. Cogito-Centre, Moscow. 2021. P. 92-111.

Текст статьи на сайте издательства URL: https://hs.te-st.ru/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Horizon-Scanner-5.-Liliia-Zemnukhova.pdf (дата обращения 27.09.2021)

Abstract

Modern technologies reflect social tensions in society, enhance established structural inequalities, and reproduce cultural beliefs. Since the currently dominating technocratic approach to technological development implies a rational logic even regarding the social impact, it is limited and needs to be reconsidered; additionally, new actors must be involved at different stages of production. A change of paradigm can be brought about by improved social understanding which should become the basis for technological decision-making even before the closure of the black box that is technology which is not subject to change. The development process requires the involvement of participants with strong fields of expertise, especially when it comes to social development: the participation of local communities, socially oriented NGOs, and other civil representatives is necessary. At the same time, joint participation of developers and public representatives sets a new range of problems and challenges. Who are these new actors? How do we control and monitor them, and make them accountable? What competencies will be required for this? What will define the borders of responsibility and serve as a guideline in estimating the actors’ performance? Is it possible to achieve transparency/technology of transparency? Can technologies control technologies? This chapter is based on examples of technological trends such as privacy and ethics of technologies, AI-related development, and blockchain. Modern technologies reflect social tensions in society, enhance established structural inequalities, and reproduce cultural beliefs. Since the currently dominating technocratic approach to technological development implies a rational logic even regarding the social impact, it is limited and needs to be reconsidered; additionally, new actors must be involved at different stages of production. A change of paradigm can be brought about by improved social understanding which should become the basis for technological decision-making even before the closure of the black box that is technology which is not subject to change.The development process requires the involvement of participants with strong fields of expertise, especially when it comes to social development: the participation of local communities, socially oriented NGOs, and other civil representatives is necessary. At the same time, joint participation of developers and public representatives sets a new range of problems and challenges. Who are these new actors? How do we control and monitor them, and make them accountable? What competencies will be required for this? What will define the borders of responsibility and serve as a guideline in estimating the actors’ performance? Is it possible to achieve transparency/technology of transparency? Can technologies control technologies?This chapter is based on examples of technological trends such as privacy and ethics of technologies, AI-related development, and blockchain.

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