Podcast transcript: A Neutral Box Paradox
This podcast is part of the UCIL Digital Society course from the University of Manchester. The story it relates to is hosted on Medium and can be found here.
In this podcast Rachel Cox introduces the topic, A Neutral Box Paradox.
Hi, I’m Rachel. I am a PhD researcher and member of our Library’s Student Team. I use my student voice and experience to contribute to Library and wider university activity. This week we will be looking at a metal box paradox, questioning if technology is neutral. We focus on the human influence on technology and what this means for technology being a neutral concept.
My PhD has involved using socio-technical systems theory to understand more about the impact of digital technology on the working conditions of people who make our clothes also known as garment workers and makers. This theory provides a lens for us to see the world considering the interconnections between the people (AKA the social)and the technological (AKA the technical).
This week is designed to challenge some of our everyday scenarios, using your critical thinking in a digital world developed in Week 3. This week draws on previous week’s themes such as industrial revolutions in Week 5 and artificial intelligence in week 6. You have four activities to complete as part of this week’s content.
The first two activities focus on how and what you think technology is. The third activity involves you choosing one of two cases studies to answer Activity 3. You have a choice on artificial intelligence and values or fast fashion and work organisation. These both consider social and technological aspects and you may even notice crossovers with theoretical themes too. The final activity gives you the opportunity to conclude with your thoughts on technology being neutral.
You will also notice that there are checkpoints within this week’s content. These are not an activity, but are designed to get you thinking about your own contextual experience with technology to help you to process the information we have provided.
We hope this week provides you with a chance to apply your critical thinking around digital technology through multiple real-world examples, encompassing people and technology.
