Disruptive Feelings: Saying, "No" to Innovators

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Disruptive Feelings: Saying, "No" to Innovators

Innovators don’t like being told, “no”. Why is this the case and what does it say for our ability to stop harmful innovations if those developing new technologies have trouble letting go of their beloved objects? This talk explores the affective relationships between engineers and their technologies and how they manage uncomfortable feelings when being asked to consider stopping an innovation for the purposes of ethical responsibility. The paper draws on research with engineers working in a private company on ultrasound-based mid-air haptics devices, where they have been asked to consider scenarios where their technology causes harm and needs to be stopped. The interviews explore how they feel about the prospect of letting go of their innovations, shedding light on the affective connections between engineers and technology in the context of responsibility. The paper uses psychoanalytic psychosocial theory to analyse the interviews, to show how dynamic emotional relationships operate in social contexts to manage difficult or uncomfortable feelings such as loss, anxiety, anger, and hate. These insights can help us think about how to approach issues of governance and regulation in relation emerging technologies in ways that are sensitive to affect and unconscious psychosocial dynamics.

Dr Stephen Hughes is a Lecturer in Science, Technology and Society and Director of UCL's Responsible Innovation short courses. Stephen Hughes Profile | University College London