The omnipresent existence of technology in today’s world has unquestionably transformed civilization, impacting our daily lives, occupations, and social interactions. The complex relationship between technology and society must be carefully examined as we navigate the digital age, looking at both the benefits and drawbacks that it brings. This paper explores the social effects of technology in detail, utilizing viewpoints from academic sources like Helsper (2021) and McGuinness et al. (2023), as well as Alex Rosenblat’s “Uberland” for inspiration. In doing so, we hope to shed light on the effects of this convergence of technology and society and suggest possible directions for future research by attempting to unravel the complex processes at play.
Uberland Analysis
Alex Rosenblat’s book Uberland explores the complexities of the gig economy with a particular emphasis on the experiences of Uber drivers (Rosenblat, 2018, p. 218). The algorithmic management of labor is one of the significant ideas covered in the book. Rosenblat reveals how algorithms determine drivers’ routes, pay, and general working environment (Rosenblat, 2018, p. 218). This algorithmic control reinforces disparities between drivers while disguised as a neutral system. For example, complex computational considerations that promote continual availability may put part-time drivers at a disadvantage when compared to full-time drivers (Rosenblat, 2018, p. 218). This concept highlights how technology might worsen pre-existing social disparities through algorithmic management.
Uberland also introduces the critical idea of information asymmetry (Rosenblat, 2018, p. 150). Drivers need to be aware of the algorithms that control their work despite the platform having vast amounts of data about them, their performance, and their behaviors (Rosenblat, 2018, p. 150). The unequal distribution of power gives rise to ethical dilemmas of transparency and privacy. The lack of information further disempowers drivers, making it challenging to negotiate better working conditions or contest algorithmic decisions. The gig economy’s lack of transparency exemplifies the more significant problem of how technology can lead to power and information asymmetries that disrupt our society’s social cohesion.
Rosenblat also examines how the gig economy has dehumanized labor. The well-being of employees is frequently neglected when efficiency and cost-effectiveness are prioritized (Rosenblat, 2018, p. 183). For corporate profits, gig workers are reduced to insignificant parts of the algorithmic system. This dehumanization goes beyond the gig economy and indicates a more significant trend in which technology can facilitate human interaction to a mechanical, dehumanizing process at work (Rosenblat, 2018, p. 183). It emphasizes the necessity of having a social discourse regarding the moral implications of technology’s effects on labor.
Review of Literature
Helsper (2021) discusses the societal implications of the digital divide in her articles. According to Helsper, digital disparities exist in both access to technology and the knowledge and resources required to use it efficiently (Helsper, 2021). This viewpoint is consistent with Rosenblat’s investigation of Uberland’s knowledge asymmetry (Rosenblat, 2018, p. 150). The ability to explore and manage digital terrain is included in the digital divide, which extends beyond physical access. Comprehending these digital disparities is vital for grasping the broader societal implications of technological advancements.
McGuinness et al. (2023) add to the conversation by analyzing how employment is affected by skill-displacing technological change. Their work emphasizes the value of skills in adjusting to technological shifts, challenging the idea of technological alarmism. This is consistent with Rosenblat’s investigation of the gig economy’s dehumanization (McGuinness et al., 2023). As technology changes the nature of work, it is more important than ever to prioritize skills to ensure people can adapt to the changing job market (McGuinness et al., 2023). The results indicate the need for policies that give skill development equal weight to technological integration, indicating a more sophisticated understanding of the relationship between technology and employment.
Conclusion
In summary, the Uberland analysis and the findings of Helsper (2021) and McGuinness et al. (2023) demonstrate the complex effects of technology on society. Uberland’s examination of algorithmic management, information asymmetry, and the dehumanization of work reflects more prominent themes in the literature. The problems presented by skill-displacing technological progress and the digital disconnect highlight the need for a comprehensive societal approach to managing the changing interaction between technology and humanity. Future studies in this field should concentrate on creating frameworks and policies that address the moral implications of algorithmic management, encourage openness, and protect employees’ welfare. Fostering an inclusive technological ecosystem will also require investigating innovative ways to close the digital divide and improve digital literacy. It is crucial to navigate the ongoing transformation of our society brought about by technology with a holistic grasp of its implicationsto maintain a balance between progress and human well-being.
References
Helsper, E. (2021). The digital disconnect: The social causes and consequences of digital inequalities. Sage.
McGuinness, S., Pouliakas, K., & Redmond, P. (2023). Skills-displacing technological change and its impact on jobs: challenging technological alarmism? Economics of Innovation and New Technology, 32(3), 370–392.
Rosenblat, A. (2018). Uberland: How algorithms are rewriting the rules of work. Univ of California Press.
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