The Socio-Technical Research Working Group is situated at the dynamic intersection of computer science, health sciences, social-humanities and communication sciences. Our working group explores the multi-layered impacts of technological innovations on individuals, societies and health systems, and how these interactions are shaped, negotiated and transformed through communication processes, media representations and social signification practices. Within this holistic framework, our research focus covers the following main axes:
- Technology, Signification and Social Transformation: The role of public perception, discourse formation and media narratives in the development, introduction and adoption of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence. Communicative and cultural dimensions of the impact of algorithmic systems on social justice, ethics and democratic processes; analysis of societal fears, hopes and expectations about technology.
- Health, Communication and Digital Ecosystems: How digital health technologies (telemedicine, wearables, health information systems, etc.) are transforming the patient-physician relationship, health behaviors and health literacy. Design, dissemination, interpretation and impact of health messages; mechanisms of dissemination of health misinformation and disinformation, especially on digital platforms, and effective communication strategies to combat them.
- Digital Media, Interaction and Social Structures: The effects of social media platforms, online communities and digital networks on interpersonal relations, identity construction, social movements, civic engagement and public deliberation. Communicative dynamics of human-computer interaction, power relations on digital platforms, analyzing issues of privacy and surveillance.
- Data, Communication and the Information Society: The use of big data and data analytics in social scientific research and policy making; the potential of data to make social problems visible, narrativize and mobilize public opinion. The importance of transparency, accountability and ethical communication principles in data-driven decision-making processes.
- Smart Technologies, Life Practices and Media Discourses: How smart cities, smart homes and supporting living technologies reshape everyday life practices, perception of space and social interaction. The role of media representations and popular culture narratives on social acceptance and critical approaches to these technologies.
- Science, Technology and Public Communication: Communicating complex scientific and technological developments to different audiences (policy makers, general public, private sector, etc.) in a comprehensible, effective and ethical manner. Strengthening the channels of dialogue and interaction between scientists, media professionals and society; processes of socialization of scientific knowledge.
- Digital Literacy and Critical Consciousness: Developing individuals' ability to use digital technologies and media content effectively, critically and responsibly. Increasing awareness and critical thinking capacity about the social impacts of technology and media.
The working group aims to address how technological developments can be directed in a human-oriented and socially beneficial way, and the ethical, social and communicative challenges and opportunities in this process from a holistic perspective from social, psychological, cultural, economic and philosophical perspectives.
MISSION
The mission of the Socio-Technical Research Working Group is to synthesize the knowledge and methods of computer sciences, health sciences, social-humanities and communication sciences to understand the complex effects of technology on individual, social and health domains, to analyze the communication processes that shape these interactions and to develop innovative, ethical and participatory solutions on this basis. Our main objectives are:
- To promote human-centeredness, ethical principles, social benefit and open communication strategies in the design, development, implementation and evaluation of technology.
- To create effective health communication strategies in the development of health services and policies, to increase the accessibility and comprehensibility of health information, and to strengthen the participation of individuals in health decisions.
- To investigate how social problems (inequalities, discrimination, polarization, disinformation, etc.) can be deepened or mitigated through technology and media; to offer communication-based interventions and solutions to these problems.
- To develop interdisciplinary and critical research methodologies for the analysis of sociotechnical systems and communication ecosystems, and to ensure the application and dissemination of these methodologies.
- Establish effective information sharing and communication mechanisms to ensure that the knowledge and insights generated are understood and used by policy makers, industry representatives, civil society organizations, media professionals and the general public.
- To enrich public debates around technology, health and society, to increase the audibility of different voices and to contribute to the creation of an informed social dialogue through the media.
VISION
The vision of the Socio-Technical Research Working Group is to be a pioneering, innovative and community-oriented center of excellence at the national and international level in research on technology, health, society and the communication processes that connect these fields. Our goals to achieve this vision are as follows:
- To build a permanent, dynamic and productive collaborative network and dialog platform among researchers, practitioners and policy makers in the fields of computer science, health sciences and social-humanities (including communication sciences).
- Promote research that creatively integrates theoretical perspectives, research methods and analytical tools from different disciplines to address the complexity of sociotechnical systems and communication environments.
- Promote an understanding of communication in the public interest that develops digital literacy skills and critical awareness of the impact of technology and media on individuals and society.
- To create sustainable funding sources for interdisciplinary research projects and to support young researchers to grow in this field and develop their communication skills.
- To maximize knowledge production, sharing and interaction by organizing national and international conferences, workshops, seminars, practical workshops and training programs.
- Disseminate research findings in reputable academic publications as well as in comprehensible and accessible formats (reports, policy briefs, media content, etc.) for different target audiences, thereby transforming scientific knowledge into social impact.
- Ensure that research responds to societal needs and delivers tangible benefits through continuous interaction and collaboration with technology developers, healthcare professionals, policy makers, media outlets, educators, civil society organizations and citizens.
- Anticipate the socio-technical and communicative challenges of the future and develop proactive, ethical and human rights-based strategies and policies to address them.
- Carrying out training, information and capacity building activities for the public to establish a more conscious, critical, participatory and constructive relationship with technology, health systems and media environments.
