Page 448 - Kaleidoscope Academic Conference Proceedings 2024

2024 ITU Kaleidoscope Academic Conference

4.4 How and why aspects of technology hype 5.1 Exploring the impact of novel assessment
frameworks
A few companies have developed a tendency to create a
problem first and then innovate to create a solution for that The study commissioned by Brey investigates criteria to
problem. For example, Shift Robotics developed assess the ways technology impacts and contributes to the
moonwalkers that, if attached to someone’s feet, can increase quality of life in society [21]. The author suggested an
the pace of walking [20]. assessment framework for (i) defining criteria for the
quality/goodness of society, (ii) examining how technologies
It is critically important to distinguish overhyped promises and their applications promote the goodness of society in line
from genuine technological progress to avoid getting swayed with identified criteria, (iii) contributing to the development
away and becoming the victim of exaggerated expectations and application of technologies that promote goodness in
Technology hype and general hype follow some common society.
patterns. Technology hype is often fuelled by a combination
of visionary promises, compelling demonstrations, Advanced capitalist economies should be viewed as
influential advocates, media coverage, and broader societal advanced global innovation systems created and sustained by
trends. The how elements of technology hype may be interaction among advanced economies [22]. The United
classified into 8 types: innovation and disruption; early States holds the dominant position in this system for driving
adaptors and evangelists; demonstrations and prototypes; radical innovation.
media and press coverage; social media and online
communities; strategic partnerships and collaborators; Given the expansion in the set of tasks that can be carried out
funding and investment; regulatory and policy development. by machines, [8] introduced a task-oriented framework,
Similarly, there are eight important types of why elements of wherein automation acts as a substitute for human labor in a
technology hype: market potential; competitive advantage; broad range of tasks.
funding and investment; market adoption; economic growth;
cultural impact; network effects; and psychological factors. Downey proposed a unifying theory of innovation,
competitiveness, and endogenous markups [23]. The
While hype can drive economic growth, promote innovation, theoretical framework performance is influenced by the
and inspire social change, it can be used to critically evaluate incentive effect (the way firms respond to market
the context and content that goes behind the building of the concentration) and composition effect (market concentration)
hype. It can successfully distinguish exaggerated claims [23].
from genuine breakthroughs.

4.5 Other concerns
Causality
There are legitimate concerns about technology’s Conundrum
detrimental effects. Screen addiction can negatively impact
mental health, especially for kids. Misinformation on social Criticality of
Adoption in
media divides public opinion. Automation may disrupt jobs Allied Sectors Hype
and widen inequality. Surveillance threatens privacy rights. Adjustment
Tech addiction distracts us from living in the moment. Recalibrating
Role of
Overall, technology will continue shaping society in both Technology
beneficial and concerning ways. It is a double-edged sword Standards Multi Dim.
requiring thoughtful regulation and wisdom in how we Focus on Sustainability
integrate it into our lives. With conscientious Technology &
implementation, tech can empower people while minimizing Role Obsolescence
downsides. Discernment and balance are key. Strengthn
Technical
Regulation
5. RECALIBRATING THE ROLE OF
TECHNOLOGY IN SOCIETY: SUGGESTIVE
CHANGES
Figure 4- Recalibrating the role of technology in society
The few trends identified due to the growing influence of
technology on society call for exploring and recalibrating the 5.2 Standardization approach to technology role
role of technology in society. In this section, the impact of
various frameworks employed to assess the impact of Solow’s mathematical model demonstrated the dependence
technology on society has been explored. Next, a few points of economic growth upon three determinants: labor increase,
to be taken into consideration while recalibrating the role of capital increase, and technical progress achieved [24]. The
technology in society are discussed (refer to Figure 4).
subsequent works established that R&D investments by
businesses result in newer production methods and products

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