Value-laden Nature of Technology

I have heard many people discuss various digital technologies as being neutral, objective tools and that it depends on how they are used as to whether the technology is good or bad. However, this view loses sight of the fact that nearly every cultural phenomena are social constructions. By their very nature, social constructions of good and bad are value-laden.
Embedded within any tool is the nature of the thing. The nature of a thing may be implied or overt. The nature of a hammer seems to be pretty obvious. You use a hammer to pound (or remove) nails. How is that value-laden? Well, the value of living under a roof comes to mind, not to mention the value of building various enclosures--such as house, a wardrobe, or a set of drawers.

Digital technologies are similarly value-laden. We often view tools as a means to a desired end. Yet, for many, the technology has become an end in itself. When means become ends, we should take a moment to reflect. A good example is the GOP argument in several states that women should be required to undergo an ultrasound prior to an abortion. It can be legitimately argued that the tool (the ultrasound) is value-laden in that the tool is meant to assure the health of the fetus. Yet, the health of the fetus might be immaterial for a woman considering an abortion. When the tool is used not as a barometer of fetal health, but as a way to potentially intimidate a woman from seeking an abortion, we are talking about an entirely different set of values.

Computer interface design is another example of the value-laden nature of technology. In my book presentation, "Interface Culture" the Steven Johnson reviews the evolution of computer-interface design based on architectural metaphors. These metaphors led to our modern-day understanding of the computer desktop and windows based software. Over time, the visual metaphors became as important as the functions they signify.