Social Implications of Technology and New Populism

Technology is one of the essential pillars of contemporary society, and its impact on society is a subject of significant concern. Fear and resentment of technology promote anti-establishment ideologies. This entry addresses significant issues related to the social implications of technology and its relation to the phenomenon of the new populism. It attempts to provide an interpretation of technology using a soft deterministic approach in the wake of new populist movements across the globe. The entry also examines the association between agency and technology and uses contemporary examples to comment on socio-political dynamics. It has been argued that technology must be seen as a societal good tool and critically evaluated to mitigate its negative consequences. We must understand its social implications better to ensure that technology serves the greater good and to prevent its abuse by populist forces.