A new era in sociology: “Robosociology” is emerging!
Sociologist Prof. Ebulfez Süleymanlı stated that society is entering a new era in which social relationships are formed not only among humans but also with machines. He said, “Sociologists may encourage the development of new sub-disciplines such as ‘robosociology’ by conducting in-depth theoretical studies on the social roles of robots and the ethics of artificial intelligence.”
Prof. Süleymanlı noted that the sociology of artificial intelligence is increasingly being included in university curricula. In these courses, topics such as the effects of artificial intelligence on fields like health, education, and law; how algorithms reflect social stereotypes; and their contributions to social inequalities are examined.
Prof. Ebulfez Süleymanlı, a faculty member in the Department of Sociology at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Üsküdar University, evaluated the impact of artificial intelligence and robotics technologies on social dynamics, as well as the role of sociologists in this rapidly evolving modern world shaped by technology.
New Sub-Disciplines like ‘Robosociology’ are emerging
Prof. Ebulfez Süleymanlı pointed out that the definition of social interaction is undergoing a profound transformation due to technological changes. He said, “Now, social relationships are not only being formed between people but also with machines. This transformation requires us to understand how machines shape social norms, how they transform societal structures, and how humans collaborate with them. Moreover, considering the role of machines in social relationships, it becomes increasingly important for sociologists to conduct in-depth analyses from ethical, cultural, and social perspectives. This process expands the scope of sociology and enables the examination of social structures in a broader context. Sociologists may foster the development of new sub-disciplines such as ‘robosociology’ by producing theoretical studies on the social roles of robots and artificial intelligence ethics. Furthermore, by addressing the demographic, ethical, and social risks of technology, sociologists make it possible to analyze societies in a more comprehensive way.”
Artificial Intelligence is transforming social structures
Prof. Ebulfez Süleymanlı emphasized that sociology does not approach artificial intelligence merely as a form of technology. Instead, it offers a perspective that explores how artificial intelligence transforms social structures and reproduces or reshapes social inequalities. He continued his remarks as follows: “Artificial intelligence technologies have the potential to transform social dynamics not only in the labor market but also in fields such as education, health, and law. Sociologists investigate how artificial intelligence is shaped by cultural norms and social structures and question whether these technologies further deepen social inequalities. The sociological perspective considers not only the functional but also the social and ethical consequences of artificial intelligence. This enables the exploration of fundamental issues such as social justice, equality, and human rights in relation to the development of artificial intelligence. Since artificial intelligence offers significant opportunities to predict and understand future social changes, sociological research in this area helps us better grasp the dynamics of social structures. In other words, as artificial intelligence transforms social life, there is an increasing need for sociological insight to understand the social reflections of this transformation.”
What are the approaches of Artificial Intelligence Sociology?
Prof. Ebulfez Süleymanlı explained that in recent years, the sociology of artificial intelligence has been shaped primarily around two main approaches: the humanist and the post-humanist approach. He said, “The humanist approach treats artificial intelligence as a social phenomenon and discusses its social impacts, cultural dimensions, and the way it reproduces social inequalities. According to this approach, artificial intelligence is not merely a technological tool, but also an important actor reshaping social structures. In this context, transformations in the labor market, automation, and unemployment are key areas of focus. On the other hand, the post-humanist approach does not see artificial intelligence merely as a tool serving humans, but rather as a social actor in its own right. This perspective emphasizes that both human and non-human entities (such as machines, robots, and artificial intelligence) may be equally influential in social interaction. Within the post-humanist framework, the boundaries between human and technology become more blurred, and the role of machines in social relationships is examined more deeply.”
Artificial Intelligence deepens income and opportunity inequalities
Prof. Ebulfez Süleymanlı stated that the development of artificial intelligence and robotics technologies especially deepens income and opportunity inequalities. He continued his remarks as follows: “Through automation, job losses are increasing in traditional sectors, which poses greater threats to low-skilled workers. While those with high digital skills gain an advantage by using these new technologies, low-skilled workers face challenges such as unemployment and low wages. Sociologists indicate that this process transforms not only economic inequalities but also the broader social structure. Those who possess technology and digital competencies are more likely to obtain higher income, forming an increasingly dominant economic group within society. This situation may widen the income gap and concentrate resources in the hands of a narrow segment, potentially leading to social unrest and tension. Sociologists also emphasize that these new technologies not only reinforce social inequalities but, through interdisciplinary collaborations, provide opportunities to examine social phenomena more comprehensively.”
What are the effects of new concepts such as “Digisexuality” on the family structure?
Prof. Ebulfez Süleymanlı stated that interdisciplinary studies may help model social changes more accurately and predict social trends. He emphasized, “However, the use of these technologies requires not only technical knowledge but also an ethical and cultural understanding. Additionally, there are aspects of this new era that influence institutions such as family and marriage. For example, in recent years, concepts such as ‘digisexuality,’ which we have often evaluated, have come to the forefront; technology companies are offering robot-partner solutions for individuals who live alone. However, these technologies carry ethical, demographic, and social risks. Legal and philosophical debates are intensifying, especially regarding the impact of robots on human relationships and issues such as population growth. In this context, a multidisciplinary approach will enable us to examine the societal effects of these technologies in a more comprehensive way.”
Artificial Intelligence analyzes big data quickly and effectively
Prof. Ebulfez Süleymanlı also stated that artificial intelligence has the capacity to analyze large data sets quickly and effectively in sociological research. He said: “This makes it possible to identify and predict social trends rapidly. Especially with the use of large language models (LLMs), tasks such as surveys and text analyses may be carried out faster and at lower cost. Since LLMs have the capacity to mimic the typical responses of social groups (such as gender, nationality, class), research may be conducted with fewer human participants, and the data collection process may be accelerated. In addition, the tools provided by artificial intelligence enable access to broader and more diverse data sets, making it possible to model social changes more accurately and predict social trends. These advantages allow sociological research to produce more comprehensive, faster, and more accurate results.”
It may reproduce social inequalities and biases
Pointing out that one of the greatest risks of artificial intelligence is its potential to reinforce existing social biases, Prof. Süleymanlı stated, “Algorithms may sometimes reproduce social inequalities and biases that are present in data sets. In addition, the underrepresentation of certain social groups in data access limits the effectiveness of artificial intelligence.”
Prof. Süleymanlı also noted that the lack of transparency in the decision-making processes of artificial intelligence and the situation known as the “black box” problem create serious doubts about system reliability and lead to a lack of public trust.
Sociologists must develop new methods
Prof. Süleymanlı emphasized that large-scale data analysis alone will not be sufficient to understand the social impacts of artificial intelligence and robots. He stated, “Cultural and contextual analyses are also essential. The effects of technologies on social dynamics must be examined in a multifaceted manner through methods such as network science, social network analysis, qualitative research, and simulations. Qualitative research provides the opportunity to examine the cultural and social biases embedded in the design of these technologies more deeply.”
“Sociology of Artificial Intelligence” courses have begun
Prof. Süleymanlı stated that the sociology of artificial intelligence is increasingly finding a place in university education programs. In these courses, topics such as the impact of artificial intelligence on fields like health, education, and law, how algorithms reflect social stereotypes, and their contribution to social inequalities are examined. Prof. Süleymanlı concluded by saying, “These courses aim to provide students with an analytical perspective that will help them understand the social impacts of artificial intelligence technologies.”
Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)