Paper Number
2226
Paper Type
Complete Research Paper
Abstract
An individual’s well-being encompasses various facets, including physical, mental, and social health. This paper proposes that in a technology-dependent world, practitioners and researchers must adopt a “technological health” perspective. Through conceptual inquiry and extensive literature review, we propose the concept of technological health, drawing from related concepts. We present an initial framework that explicates technological health through the dimensions of access to technology, ability to use technology, and autonomy over technology. Practically, this new perspective refocuses our understanding of technological challenges and invites an ideology of diagnoses and treatments to comprehensively address individual-level concerns associated with personal technology use. Academically, this research aims to advance a theoretical framework helping explain the impact one’s relationship with technology has on well-being. Finally, we utilize thought experiments to formulate propositions on the interrelation of technological health dimensions, prompting potential diagnostic applications for practitioners and suggesting new research avenues for IS scholars.
Recommended Citation
Skousen, Tanner and Lear, J. Andrew, "Technological Health: A New Perspective on Individual Well-Being in the Digital Era" (2024). ECIS 2024 Proceedings. 11.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/ecis2024/track01_peoplefirst/track01_peoplefirst/11
Technological Health: A New Perspective on Individual Well-Being in the Digital Era
An individual’s well-being encompasses various facets, including physical, mental, and social health. This paper proposes that in a technology-dependent world, practitioners and researchers must adopt a “technological health” perspective. Through conceptual inquiry and extensive literature review, we propose the concept of technological health, drawing from related concepts. We present an initial framework that explicates technological health through the dimensions of access to technology, ability to use technology, and autonomy over technology. Practically, this new perspective refocuses our understanding of technological challenges and invites an ideology of diagnoses and treatments to comprehensively address individual-level concerns associated with personal technology use. Academically, this research aims to advance a theoretical framework helping explain the impact one’s relationship with technology has on well-being. Finally, we utilize thought experiments to formulate propositions on the interrelation of technological health dimensions, prompting potential diagnostic applications for practitioners and suggesting new research avenues for IS scholars.
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