{"id":1519,"date":"2024-08-20T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-08-20T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eccellenzedimpresa.it\/?post_type=cp_magazine&p=1519"},"modified":"2024-12-17T10:18:15","modified_gmt":"2024-12-17T10:18:15","slug":"do-not-demonize-new-technologies-but-teach-how-to-use-them-critically","status":"publish","type":"cp_magazine","link":"https:\/\/eccellenzedimpresa.it\/en\/magazine\/do-not-demonize-new-technologies-but-teach-how-to-use-them-critically\/","title":{"rendered":"Do not demonize new technologies, but teach how to use them critically\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Sociologist Gosetti: smart working can also bring isolation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A pragmatic attitude to assessing the impact of new technologies, without exalting them but neither demonizing them a priori. And above all the need to learn about them in order to protect the most fragile. Giorgio Gosetti, sociologist of work at the University of Verona, explained why critically educating oneself on new technologies is the best way not to be overwhelmed by them. Because even in an increasingly virtual and interconnected world it is possible to promote a sense of community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Prof. Gosetti, is digitalization affecting interpersonal relationships and face-to-face communication? In what way?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Ahead of our conversation, I believe a brief introduction is in order. Between the category of the apocalyptic\u2014those who view technology as an inherently negative force that will lead to job losses, the devaluation of labor, and social challenges\u2014and the integrators, who see technology as a resource for societal transformation and a harbinger of positive change, I would position myself as a \u2018critical pragmatist.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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In what does this approach consist?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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It consists of being attentive to the implications of new technologies, both positive and negative. In fact, there is still a great deal of uncertainty surrounding new technologies. We do not yet fully understand their components, specificities, potential lines of evolution, and consequences. Therefore, a scenario emerges in which we must remain vigilant, maintain a critical attitude, and strive to use the potential of new technologies strategically. COVID-19, in a way, has tested us, forcing us to experiment with new technologies and modes of interaction\u2014at least for many of us. It has encouraged physical distancing, but I would not necessarily call it social distancing. It has certainly impacted how we relate to others, prompting those of us who are accustomed to face-to-face interactions and who do not intend to abandon them, to reflect deeply. However, digital technologies are now embedded in relational systems and are part of the social dimension of relationships. In short, let us neither demonize nor exalt the technologies that now shape our relationships; instead, let us approach them with a critical perspective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How can we foster a sense of community in an increasingly virtual and interconnected world?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Tough question. Definitely. To the differentiated, formalized, and fragmented society, sociologists have often contrasted the concept of community: that vital world, rich with face-to-face relationships and a deep sense of togetherness, shared values, and experiences. But what about virtual communities? Are they real communities? First, we must understand when they are “meaningful”\u2014that is, when they generate and preserve meaning, shared values, and experiences that bring people together. Some communities were born precisely because of digital technologies, opening an intriguing chapter for sociologists: that of generations. Perhaps nothing more needs to be said, but a significant number of people now take it for granted that communities are built with the help of digital technologies, and that connections must also be nurtured through technological means. Personally, I have deepened relationships with distant people through video calls. It used to be more difficult. I feel closer to them; I would say we have built a community. But ours is a community of meaning, one that also recognizes and refers to other moments beyond video calls\u2014moments that we feel are our own. In this sense, we are experiencing an integration between old and new ways of understanding community, united by the sharing of meaning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Are there risks of social isolation due to excessive use of technology?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Definitely, yes. I have been studying the world of work for years, and even recently, there is increasing evidence that new organizational forms of work (such as smart working) can lead to a danger of isolation. Research shows that while workers recognize some organizational solutions as better at facilitating work-life balance, they also identify the risk of isolation, which stems from the loss of direct relationships, shared moments, and the solidarity that can only be experienced in person. The blurring of boundaries between work and life has been ongoing for some time, and for certain jobs, this has now become a defining feature of the organizational model. While this trend has positive effects on work-life reconciliation, it also brings negative consequences, including intrusiveness and isolation. I believe that moments of sharing at work are essential for creating a pleasant working environment and generating resources to support people, as well as learning from shared experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What do you imagine social relations will be like in the context of Society 5.0 in 20 years’ time?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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It\u2019s difficult to make predictions. Perhaps others are better at futurology than sociologists. Social relations are, and will continue to be, reshaped by technology, and the integration of various relational modes will be inevitable. We will discover\u2014or perhaps rediscover\u2014direct contact. How can we explain the thousands of young people, enduring the intense heat of these hours, traveling to a concert and standing for hours in a stadium filled with thousands of others? Certainly, to say, “I was part of an event,” but also to say, “We were part of an event.” It holds meaning for them. I imagine a society with countless contacts, facilitated by technologies, but also with a commitment to turn those contacts into meaningful relationships.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What steps can we take today to ensure that future generations live in a cohesive and supportive society?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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We should focus on translating contacts into relationships, which requires prioritizing “technology education” (perhaps even dedicating some time to civic education and teaching respectful coexistence). It\u2019s also essential to establish rules that protect people from technological distortions, such as control over lives, exclusion from social processes, or forced inclusion in other processes. We must educate people to adopt a critical approach to technology, helping them understand its potential in relation to self-determination (which, in the context of work, relates to organizational models and the possibilities for a high quality of working life\u2014staying with my “objects” of study). Cohesion and solidarity, unlike inequalities, do not emerge spontaneously; they are social products of both individual and collective choices. Education is a key path forward, but so is the strengthening of rights to protect individuals.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":true},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/eccellenzedimpresa.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/cp_magazine\/1519"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/eccellenzedimpresa.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/cp_magazine"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/eccellenzedimpresa.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/cp_magazine"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/eccellenzedimpresa.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1519"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}