Social informatics is a body of research that examines the social aspects of computerization and emerging technologies (Kling, 1999). In particular, it pertains to information technology use and social change in all social settings (Kling, 1999).
Social informatics is neither a theory nor a method; it is a problem orientated perspective on the ‘real world’ design, uses and consequences of information technologies, taking into account their interaction with institutional and cultural contexts (Iwarsson & Stahl, 2003).
The study of social informatics has become increasingly relevant in a 21st Century digital society. The most important social trend this century is the transition from an industrial to an information society, in which the main targets and results for the population are information products and services. (Kolin, 2011). Computerization and the so-called ‘PC revolution’ have shaped our society in numerous ways, profoundly impacting our way of life. According to Time magazine, the personal computer was “the machine that made the revolution.” It has estimated that computing power has increased a hundred millionfold since the 1950s (Gilder, Wired Magazine, Jan 1998). Today, newer computer and telecommunications systems may offer many advantages over traditional media. The era of the Internet – in particular, public access to the internet – explores society’s perpetual access to information, impacting communication, entertainment, business and scientific fields in previously unheard of ways.
Kling (1999) proposes that one key idea of social informatics research is that the "social context" of information technology development and use plays a significant role in influencing the ways that people use information and technologies, and thus influences their consequences for work, organizations, and other social relationships. Social context refers to a specific matrix of social relationships, characterized by particular incentive systems for using, organizing, and sharing information at work (Kling, 1999).
Kolin (2011) proposes a conceptual approach to defining the basic goals and tasks of social informatics, linking them with the global problem of the informatization of society, in which “socialization” is the most important achievement. The process of the informatization of society must be socially-oriented in its very essence. Thus, informatics and information technology function only as tools that serve people so that they can better master the information and use it for social progress.
Kling (1999) proposes that one key idea of social informatics research is that the "social context" of information technology development and use plays a significant role in influencing the ways that people use information and technologies, and thus influences their consequences for work, organizations, and other social relationships. Social context refers to a specific matrix of social relationships, characterized by particular incentive systems for using, organizing, and sharing information at work (Kling, 1999).
Kolin (2011) proposes a conceptual approach to defining the basic goals and tasks of social informatics, linking them with the global problem of the informatization of society, in which “socialization” is the most important achievement. The process of the informatization of society must be socially-oriented in its very essence. Thus, informatics and information technology function only as tools that serve people so that they can better master the information and use it for social progress.
Ultimately, I personally believe that the main objectives of studying social informatics should be the identification and analysis of new opportunities for human development with our information society. Similarly, it is important to identify new threats and risks to our livelihoods, which already exist or may arise in the future.
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