Determinants for acceptance of new technologies

The technology-philosophical reflection on the topic "Determinants for acceptance of new technologies" defines the issues of "Trust", "Security" as well as "Interest and Use" as the essential constituents of acceptance. The following hypotheses are examined:

Topic: Trust

1. Politicians, scientists and entrepreneurs need to understand themselves as promotional for acceptance. Acceptance is not automatic, but requires a great effort and continuous personal commitment, if you want to secure acceptance not only for the short-term but for the long-term. The confidence curve follows a hysteresis loop, as it is known in the magnetization of materials: It requires a significant effort, if the existing trust is lost due to communication error or incorrect political-action, the restoration effort is significantly greater.
2. Citizens need to understand themself as being asked for acceptance and active influence on the shapes of their life world. They may not feel as victims or sufferers of technological developments, but have realistic feeling of being able to influence, in fact anything.
3. "Openness creates openness" (H.-J Bullinger). The advertiser promoting acceptance is usually intermediate to transparency.

Topic: Security

4. The advertiser  promoting acceptance must take the security of the citizens in to account in regard to the technologies being accepted seriously. Even irrational fears are actual fears that can prevent acceptance.

Topic: Interest and Use Goals

5. The advertiser promoting acceptance must express their interest in the use and goals of the new technology truly and publicly. Poltitics must focus on their majority’s needs. Businesses must commit to their interest in maximizing profit by using the new technologies. Science must contribute to effective and independent functioning and claiming true statements about new technologies.

The theses are processed by the logic of relations theories, theories of trust, risk and security useing theories and theories of interest and power in the relevant separate sciences.

Contact

W. Zimmerli, K. Kornwachs, M. Harz (BTU Cottbus)