Convergence of Information and Social Technologies in the Digital Age

Abstract

The article discusses the specifics of current convergent development of information (IT) and social technologies (ST) and their socialization as well as defines the characteristic features of ST implemented on a digital platform. The authors analyze the reasons for the increasing demand for ST and explicate their role in post-industrial society. The authors believe that the boom of ST over the recent decades is associated with the need to transform “vertical” management practices toward distributed and maximally individualized usage. The network communication format in modern society, established due to IT development, is correlated with “soft” social design technologies, which provide not just subordination and discipline, but highly motivated work, initiative, emotional involvement, and creativity. At the same time, personal boundaries, which have become the most important component of psychological well-being for a modern person, are quite permeable to the combined impact of ST and IT. The “capitalization of human capital” in the information age has obtained quite a literal meaning because individual knowledge, skills, and initiative become the main resource and competitive base in digital economy. Using the example of Agile, one of the leading practices in modern IT industry, the authors analyzed the specifics of work organization of compact creative groups. The article reveals the ethical aspects of using convergent information and social technologies. The authors conclude that the task of countering destructive influences from ST on the information platform is relevant and even urgent. However, the society has yet to formulate humanistic guidelines for constructive socio-technological design practices.