You Can't Get There From Here: Redefining Information Science to address our sociotechnical futures

TL;DR

This paper argues for redefining Information Science to include sociotechnical impacts of intelligent technologies, emphasizing the need for a broader, interdisciplinary approach to address societal challenges.

Contribution

It proposes an expanded definition of Information Science that incorporates sociotechnical aspects, aiming to foster more inclusive and comprehensive research in the field.

Findings

Current definitions are inadequate for modern AI impacts

An expanded definition can stimulate interdisciplinary dialogue

Including sociotechnical aspects promotes fairer integration of technologies

Abstract

Current definitions of Information Science are inadequate to comprehensively describe the nature of its field of study and for addressing the problems that are arising from intelligent technologies. The ubiquitous rise of artificial intelligence applications and their impact on society demands the field of Information Science acknowledge the sociotechnical nature of these technologies. Previous definitions of Information Science over the last six decades have inadequately addressed the environmental, human, and social aspects of these technologies. This perspective piece advocates for an expanded definition of Information Science that fully includes the sociotechnical impacts information has on the conduct of research in this field. Proposing an expanded definition of Information Science that includes the sociotechnical aspects of this field should stimulate both conversation and widen the interdisciplinary lens necessary to address how intelligent technologies may be incorporated into society and our lives more fairly.