The mediation of hope:communication technologies and inequality in perspective

Digital technological innovation is taken by many to signify societal progress and the promise of equitable and sustainable societies. Others link the complex digital system to multiple and persistent inequalities and to a concern that innovations in areas such as artificial intelligence, algorithmic computation and machine learning and their applications are being introduced in a manner that suggests, at least to some, that humans may lose their authority over the future pathway of digital technologies. Research traditions including economics, the economics of technological innovation and critical studies of technology and society are discussed as is the predominant focus of digital economy policy. It is suggested that critical interdisciplinary engagements could influence digital economy policy makers to consider alternative digital technology innovation pathways and more proactive policies that could yield a better future.