Information technologies inherit influences from prior historical, cultural, and social events. West's research examines how information technologies are on a path of creating efficiency, productivity, profitability, surveillance, and control. Human-machine interface technologies are merging more and more with physical bodies. Surveillance technologies are supervising human activities in an increasingly panoptic fashion. West calls for an ethics dialogue not only among digerati within the industry but also a dialogue which allows for public participation.
West concludes by offering six levels of active participation for positive change.
This book will be of particular interest to scholars and students of contemporary science and technology as well as participants in information technology. West provides a wideranging analysis of the social impact of information technology. West documents the deadening value of control, efficiency and profit that permeate technology design. Inc. All rights reserved.