Don’t all people benefit when new technologies and innovations come into ubiquitous use?
No. Many benefit, but sometimes it’s at the expense of the few.
The term "techno-colonialism" refers to the domination of technology and knowledge systems by powerful entities, often leading to the exploitation of marginalized communities. This concept can be uncomfortable for many to discuss, as it evokes historical patterns of colonialism where one group exerts control over another.
In the context of technology, it highlights how modern advancements can create dependencies that mirror those of the past, with wealthier nations and corporations leveraging their technological prowess to dominate less developed regions. Scholars like Ruha Benjamin and Domenico Fiormonte challenge us to look beyond the surface of seemingly neutral technologies and consider their deeper societal implications. One such implication is found in Benjamin's concept of the "New Jim Code," which reveals how modern technology can perpetuate and amplify existing social hierarchies.
The New Jim Code: Encoded Inequity
Ruha Benjamin's concept of the "New Jim Code" reveals how modern technology can perpetuate and amplify existing social hierarchies.1 This isn't about intentional malice. Rather, it's the result of deeply ingrained biases being unknowingly programmed into our digital systems.
Consider these examples of encoded inequity:
- Facial recognition software that disproportionately misidentifies people of color
- Healthcare algorithms that systematically underestimate the needs of marginalized communities
- Language barriers in technology that exclude non-Standard English speakers
- Dating apps that reinforce heteronormative assumptions and exclude LGBTQ+ identities
These aren't just technical glitches. They represent the translation of historical injustices into the digital realm. This is no surprise because these technologies are built upon historically available data. And historically available data isn’t always representative.
A Solution to Create Change
The solution isn't to abandon technology but to radically reimagine its design and implementation. Domenico Fiormonte argues for "technodiversity" as a key to digital decolonization.2 This involves:
1. Diversifying tech teams to include a wider range of perspectives
2. Incorporating historical and sociological understanding into tech development
3. Engaging affected communities in every stage of the design process
4. Developing local technologies that align with diverse linguistic and cultural needs
An inspiring example is the development of language-specific keyboards and apps that enable users to type in over 60 non-English languages on any social media app or technological device.3
Collective Imagination as a Tool for Change
Harnessing the power of collective imagination is essential for reshaping our technological landscape. It focuses on fostering spaces where diverse voices can contribute to a more equitable digital future.
To achieve this, we need to:
- Challenge the myth of technological neutrality
- Pair computing literacy with historical and sociological understanding
- Create platforms for marginalized communities to shape technological development
Some Closing Optimism
Can we create technologies that are more inclusive of the entire human experience?
Yes. And it will take many diverse voices to participate and courage to work through the discomfort when discussions become uncomfortable.
Changing how technologies are designed such that the technologies are more inclusive is not a one-time fix but an ongoing process. It requires vigilance, creativity, and a willingness to question our assumptions about progress. This includes addressing intersectionality, recognizing how multiple marginalized identities compound technological inequalities. The challenge is significant, but so is the potential for transformative change.
My Personal Reflections
Programming Note: I am recovering from a cold, so my voice is very authentic this week.
Benjamin, R. (2019). Race after technology: Abolitionist tools for the new Jim code. Polity.
Fiormonte, D. (2023). Technodiversity as the key to digital decolonization. The UNESCO Courier, 2, 38-41.
Translator Keyboard - Language. (2024). Apple App Store. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/translator-keyboard-language/id1502909594