Techno-Solutionism

A Techno-Solutionism is a philosophy that posits technology as the primary means to solve complex societal problems, often reducing intricate issues to simplified technological fixes.

• Context:
  • It can (typically) simplify Societal Problems into Apps and Algorithms.
  • It can (often) overlook the need for comprehensive understanding and nuanced solutions in favor of quick technological interventions.
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  • It can range from being an approach in Educational-Technology Solutionism to being a method in Healthcare Solutionism.
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  • It can drive the narrative that Technology can inherently improve sectors without addressing underlying issues.
  • It can manifest in the form of promoting the idea that technological advancements will solve problems like Unemployment or Inequality.
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• Example(s):
  • Educational-Technology Solutionism, where educational technology (such as the internet and apps) are seen as a key solution to educational challenges.
  • Healthcare Solutionism, where healthcare technology (such as apps and algorithms) are promoted as fixes for health problems.
  • Employment Solutionism, which suggests that employment technology (such as job matching apps) alone can address job insecurity and unemployment.
  • Environmental Solutionism, where environmental technology (such as climate monitoring tools) is viewed as the primary solution to environmental issues.
  • Urban Planning Solutionism, where smart city technology is seen as the main way to solve urban problems like traffic congestion and pollution.
  • Security Solutionism, where security technology (such as surveillance systems) is relied upon to fix security threats.
  • Agricultural Solutionism, where agricultural technology (such as precision farming tools) is promoted as the key to solving agricultural problems.
  • Legal-Tech Solutionism, where legal technology (such as AI-based legal research tools) is viewed as the primary means to solve legal challenges without addressing the complexities of the justice system.
  • Software Engineering Solutionism, where software solutions are seen as the primary way to address engineering problems without considering the broader context of system integration and human factors.
  • Military Solutionism, where military technology (such as autonomous weapons) is promoted as the solution to military challenges without considering ethical implications and the potential for escalation.
  • Political Solutionism, where political technology (such as digital voting systems) is viewed as the solution to political problems without addressing issues of access, security, and public trust.
  • Judicial Solutionism, where judicial technology (such as automated sentencing algorithms) is seen as the key to solving judicial issues without considering the nuances of individual cases.
  • ...
• Counter-Example(s):
  • Holistic Approaches that integrate technology with thorough societal understanding and engagement with affected communities.
  • Community-Led Initiatives that prioritize local knowledge and participation over top-down technological solutions.
• See: Ed-Tech Inequalities, Evgeny Morozov, Behaviorism, Efficiency

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References

2024

• https://stimpunks.org/glossary/techno-solutionism/
  • NOTES:
    • Techno-Solutionism simplifies complex societal problems into apps and algorithms, often ignoring the intricate and multifaceted nature of these issues.
    • Techno-Solutionism assumes that technological advancements alone can address systemic issues without considering broader social, political, and economic dimensions.
    • Techno-Solutionism tends to promote quick technological fixes for deep-rooted problems, potentially leading to superficial solutions that do not address underlying causes.
    • Techno-Solutionism is critiqued for offering technological solutions before fully understanding or articulating the problems they aim to solve.
    • Techno-Solutionism is often driven by the managerial class’s desire to address perceived inefficiencies, rather than by a genuine understanding of the issues at hand.
    • Techno-Solutionism can lead to the neglect of political activism, collectivity, debate, and democracy in favor of technology consumption and usage.
    • Techno-Solutionism risks embedding existing biases and inequalities into new technologies, exacerbating rather than alleviating social problems.

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