Technology hype: Dealing with bold expectations and overpromising

Abstract

To date, the study of hype has become a productive but also eclectic field of research. This introduction provides an overview of the core characteristics of technology hype and distinguishes it from other future-oriented concepts. Further, the authors present promising approaches from various disciplines for studying, critiquing, and dealing with hype. The special issue assembles case studies, methodological and theoretical contributions that analyze tech hypes’ temporality, agency, and institutional dynamics. It provides insights into how hypes are triggered and fostered, but also how they can be deconstructed and anticipated.

Fulfilling the industrial potential of nanocellulose

“…Bareis and co-workers have lately shown how, acting as attention-seekers riding "on the wave of attention" hypers in science and technology are "less interested in the long-term societal consequences of what happens when the wave collapses" [34]. Amid the long-term societal consequences of technology hype is investor disillusionment that, in its turn, will result in delayed (or permanent lack of) uptake of innovation.…”