Digital Culture Shock: Who Creates Technology and Why This Matters

Reinecke (computer science, Univ. of Washington) offers a compelling argument that technology is never neutral but rather, deeply influenced by the cultural backgrounds of its developers. She explores how digital architectures are inherently shaped by the environments in which they are created. This phenomenon could have profound implications in an era where technology is increasingly globalized. One of the most striking insights in this work is the idea that technology can become less intuitive or even dangerous when transplanted into a different cultural context. For example, the development of autonomous driving robo-taxis must account for various cultural biases, traffic laws, and unspoken social norms. Failure to do so can result in ineffective or even hazardous technology. Reinecke’s arguments align with broader discussions about cultural imperialism and marginalization in technology. The pervasive influence of WEIRD (Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic) societies in behavioral research highlights the risks of assuming universal applicability. Includes an extensive bibliography for further study.