Through a better understanding of ‘undesirable futures’ towards better digitalization

Abstract

Organizational information systems have been seen as an effective means to improve individual and organizational performance and productiveness. Adopting a sociotechnical approach makes information systems more acceptable to the end-users, which, in turn, help to achieve the organizational goals of these systems [1]. A better understanding of sociotechnical aspects has led to increased productivity of organizations also in terms of flexibility and learning [2]. It is acknowledged that sociotechnical systems should be considered from a new perspective which shifts the focus to sustainability [3]. Lange and Santarius [4] have considered conditions for sustainable digitalization. They argue that we must consciously and proactively shape the digital process, and the process must not be left by no means to chance. They call for three principles to be followed. According to the first principle, we should have digitalization as much as necessary and as little as possible. The second principle underlines that citizens own their own data. The third principle says that we must develop the Internet and its services as 'common goods'. The mainstream research on information systems has promised a light future for digitalized societies. However, it is hard to find any systematic analysis of the threats of, and problems caused by, digitalization. However, digitalization has, indeed, several adverse effects that should be taken into account in developing digital systems, and in building digital societies. Warnings about potentially negative effects of digital systems, or of the ways in using them, can be found. For instance, a recent study that provides evidence of positive impact of digitalization on environment, concludes that "it is also important to identify the negative effects of digitalization to minimize that impact” [5]. A more recent study that recognizes the potential of health information technology worries about the digital divide related to using the technology [6]. Negative effects or guestionable positive impacts of digitalization on environment are considered by Lange, Pohl and Santarius [7], for example.