Topic 4 Flashcards
What is meant by the ‘dark side’ of digital transformation?
Unintended harmful consequences of digital tech such as inequality, surveillance, and exploitation.
What is technological determinism?
The belief that technology shapes society and change is inevitable.
What is the strategic choice view of technology?
Humans and organisations actively shape how technology is used.
What is the enacted view of technology?
Tech outcomes are co-produced by humans and social systems; effects are emergent.
Name three dimensions of digital transformation’s dark side.
Societal, Organisational, Individual.
What is algorithmic bias?
Discrimination resulting from flawed data or biased design in AI systems.
What is surveillance capitalism?
Monetising personal data through surveillance and behavioural tracking.
What is a key issue with the gig economy?
Workers face precarity and are managed by opaque algorithms.
Name two environmental impacts of digital transformation.
Energy-intensive data centres, electronic waste (e-waste).
What is technological solutionism?
The belief that all social problems can be solved through technology.
Give an example of technological solutionism failure.
One Laptop per Child (OLPC) program.
What psychological technique is used by platforms like Uber to control workers?
Gamification and algorithmic nudges.
How does dynamic pricing (e.g., Ticketmaster) raise ethical concerns?
It can lead to unfair pricing and consumer backlash.
What are some mental health risks linked to social media?
FOMO, anxiety, depression, addictive design, sleep disruption.
How much energy do global data centres consume annually?
Approximately 200 TWh, about 1% of global electricity.
What is the scale of global e-waste generated each year?
Over 53 million metric tons.
Why is ethical awareness important for students?
To understand the societal impact of tech and advocate for responsible use.
What is the key problem with believing technology is a neutral tool?
It ignores power dynamics, bias, and unintended consequences.
What is an example of dark side effects in academic publishing?
Elsevier using data analytics to control and monetise academic content.
