Sociological perspectives on the new digital technologies

Abstract

This text introduces the dossier Sociologica perspectives on the new digital technologies, which examines the social implications of a new and evolving generation of technologies whose scope, speed and complexity may be considered unique. Today’s technological changes go far beyond digital first generation technologies. More than just productivity enhancers, they are able to operate as a new factor of production – as both labor and capital —, thereby exercising a transformative effect on economic growth. The goal of this dossier is to contribute to a better understanding of the major challenges and opportunities that exist, vis-à -vis these ongoing transformations, from a sociological perspective. Together, the articles included in this dossier enable us to delve more deeply into the themes and topics described above.