Three Scenarios for the Future of Technology and Strong Democracy

Abstract

Introduction. In the world the prospective studies have been taking great acceptance, especially in developing countries, as they allow the prioritization and targeting of efforts in research on a specific topic. Objective. Contrast the positions of the key members of 2 Colombian universities about the issues prioritized by a group of experts in relation to the materials technology. Materials and methods. The study of future scenarios was carried out through the delivery of the results of a prospective study, which conducted a survey of three groups belonging to 2 universities, Group 1. Leaders of the research groups with projects and lines of research in materials, Group 2. Teachers researchers that perform actions in these groups. Group 3. University managers. Results. Set the perceptions of respondents compared to the vision of the future for the technologies related to materials. Conclusions. It is important this exercise due to their results that can make possible the construction of a research agenda, in addition to other activities to address the challenges that researchers will face in materials technology.

A global empirical evaluation of new communication technology use and democratic tendency

“…In contrast to Snider's argument about the mere potential of citizens being informed acting as a source of accountability, if power is measured by the potential for "monopoly and control over information and communication, it is evident that the new technology can become a dangerous facilitator of tyranny" [21], [2]. Indeed, while the Internet may enable citizens to subvert political hierarchy, Barber notes that with increased participation comes the peril of political and economic surveillance.…”

“…Barber opines that by favoring decentralization, the multiplication of choice, and consumer sovereignty, new technologies such as the internet or cell phone have already, albeit inadvertently, benefited democratic political culture [2]. According to Barber, "democracy is a form of government that depends on information and communication.…”

“…To be sure, "the trouble with the zealots of technology as an instrument of democratic liberation is not that they misconceive technology but that they fail to understand democracy" [2]. 'In other words, "it turns out there is no simple general answer to the question: Is the technology democratizing?'…”

“…At the heart of this debate, moreover, lies a more fundamental question about the essence of democracy. In fact, "unless we are clear about what democracy means to us, and what kind of democracy we envision, technology is as likely to stunt as to enhance the civic polity" [2]. The purpose of this paper is to contribute more rigorous data-driven analysis to the literature on Internet and democracy since "there is no doubt that rigorous and datadriven analysis of this relationship will benefit scholars and policymakers alike" [1].…”

“…While this is true of Western democracies, it is certainly not true for the majority of developing, nondemocratic countries, where cell phones are the most widely spread communication technology after radios [7]. Indeed, the irony is that "those who might most benefit from the net's democratic and informational potential are least likely to have access to it, the tools to gain access, or the educational background to take advantage of the tools" [2].…”