Too often I find my self in conversations that revolve around the intersection of technology and social issues, with one view emphasizing the importance of practical solutions to real-world problems, while the other highlights the underlying social dynamics that shape technological landscapes these “solutions” are often supposed to be addressing.
The first prioritize pragmatic immediate problem-solving, expressing a preference for concrete solutions to specific issues rather than what they see as abstract or philosophical discussions. They are dismissive of broader social critiques, such as the thinking that contemporary code is influenced by capitalist structures and the easy “solution” is likely actually the problem.
The second argues that technological problems are inherently intertwined with social factors. That understanding the human and social dimensions of technology is essential for effective problem-solving in this path. And that avoiding this is a problem, likely a #geekproblem
Overall, this conversation touches upon the complex relationship between technology and society, highlighting differing perspectives on how to approach and address challenges in these paths. We need to move action past this mess making to make more change and challenge real.