The Social Shaping of Technology (SST)

The Social Shaping of Technology (SST) is the idea that technology doesn’t develop in isolation; instead, social, cultural, economic, and political factors influence how and why technology evolves. People's needs, values, and power dynamics shape technological design, use, and accessibility. For example, societal priorities can determine whether a new device prioritizes security, convenience, or environmental impact. SST emphasizes that technology and society are interconnected, with each influencing the other over time, rather than technology simply progressing according to scientific discovery alone.