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Social Interactions and the Technology Development: Perspectives on E-Societies

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A special issue of Societies (ISSN 2075-4698).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2023) | Viewed by 65093

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Prof. Dr. Rodica Milena Zaharia

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Guest Editor

Department of International Business and Economics, The Bucharest University of Economic Studies, 010374 Bucharest, Romania
Interests: corporate social responsibility; business ethics; higher education; international political economy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Tudor Edu

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Guest Editor

Marketing-Management Department, Romanian-American University, 012101 Bucharest, Romania
Interests: consumer behavior; tourism; social networks; market positioning strategies; generational-related marketing research; higher education

Prof. Dr. Razvan Zaharia

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Guest Editor

Marketing Department, The Bucharest University of Economic Studies, 010374 Bucharest, Romania
Interests: marketing; social marketing; political marketing; higher education

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

There are tremendous challenges that our society faces, launching hopes and concerns alike. New technologies open avenues to digitalization as well as optimism for better lives and opportunities for all of society’s participants. Concomitant environmental constrains, health issues or security threats increase fears concerning the sustainability of our approach to production, mode of consumption, style of life or way of government. New types of interactions emerge between society’s participants, shaped by new technologies.

This issue of Societies, called “Social Interactions and the Technology Development: Perspectives on E-Societies”, aims to analyze the interactions that emerge in society under the pressure of rapid changes posed by new technological developments, to look at the way that the social and technological dimensions of these interactions can improve the sustainability of our society as well as unveil the impact of digital technologies on the behaviors and processes of individuals and organizations.

The articles and conceptual papers for this issue include, but are not limited to, the following topics:

Digitalization and new technologies of society.
Sustainability and resilience of e-society.
Governing society in the digital era.
Social changes in e-society: human and artificial intelligence interactions.
Doing business in e-society.
Learning in e-society.

(*Contributions have to follow one of the three categories of papers (article, conceptual paper or review) for the journal and address the topic of the Special Issue.)

Prof. Dr. Rodica Milena Zaharia
Prof. Dr. Tudor Edu
Prof. Dr. Razvan Zaharia
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a double-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Societies is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

artificial intelligence
digitalization
e-democracy
e-government
e-learning
e-societies
new technologies
resilience
social change
sustainability

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Published Papers (13 papers)

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Editorial

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3 pages, 169 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Social and Technological Interactions in e-Societies

by Rodica Milena Zaharia, Tudor Edu and Razvan Zaharia

Societies 2023, 13(11), 235; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc13110235 - 2 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1481

Abstract

This Special Issue, Social and Technological Interactions in e-Societies, aims to attract the interest of academics and practitioners alike by identifying, exploring, and investigating the interactions inherent in the emergence of new technologies in our societies [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Interactions and the Technology Development: Perspectives on E-Societies)

Research

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18 pages, 267 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Innovation 4.0 Policies in Italy: Strengths and Weaknesses of the Innovation Ecosystem of the “Transition 4.0” Plan from an International Perspective

by Francesco Orazi and Federico Sofritti

Societies 2024, 14(3), 42; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc14030042 - 19 Mar 2024

Viewed by 2102

Abstract

Innovation 4.0 is a strategic lever of industrial policies. That is the reason why, over the last decade, many European countries have introduced national plans to implement it in their economic fabric. Within this context, this paper focuses on the effects of Industry 4.0 policies in Italy and Europe by presenting the results of a research study on the national and continental ecosystems of innovation. In particular, the study was conducted by involving the main key bodies introduced by the “Transition 4.0” plan in Italy: Competence Centers (CCs), Digital Innovation Hubs (DIHs), and Punti Impresa Digitale (PID). The study adopted a qualitative–quantitative approach: an analysis of gray literature, semi-structured interviews, and a survey involving Italian and European DIHs were carried out. The results highlight an ambivalent scenario: on the one hand, the research suggests that the consolidation of the ecosystems of innovation is underway in Italy and relies on good organizational capacity; on the other hand, the international comparison indicates that the Italian system still suffers from a marked territorial and institutional fragmentation that needs to be addressed in the coming years. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Interactions and the Technology Development: Perspectives on E-Societies)

31 pages, 3632 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fintech Adoption Factors: A Study on an Educated Romanian Population

by Lucian Belascu, Corina Anca Negut, Zeno Dinca, Cosmin Alin Botoroga and Dan Gabriel Dumitrescu

Societies 2023, 13(12), 262; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc13120262 - 18 Dec 2023

Viewed by 2990

Abstract

Even though the literature implies that customers and banking organizations can profit from digital banking in various ways, client adoption of this service is still low, especially in emerging and developing nations. Consumers’ openness to digital services limits their willingness to adopt digital banking, especially mobile banking services. We used a quantitative research method based on a questionnaire sent during August–December 2022 to Romanian individuals and received 118 answers, which we analyzed using the logistic regression model; throughout, we determined the extent of mobile banking use, payments, and banking products needed within the population with tertiary education, as well as new developments that the shift to digitalization brings to users, with new features for existing products, cryptocurrency accounts, and fintech companies now being complementary to traditional banks. Our study presents current customer perceptions of implementing bank digitalization through mobile applications in a developing nation like Romania; here, advantages are counterbalanced by limitations and there are, undoubtedly, difficulties to be overcome in the quest for a more effective e-business framework. We determined the factors that are relevant in making people use fintech accounts using logit analysis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Interactions and the Technology Development: Perspectives on E-Societies)

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17 pages, 292 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Digital Embodiment as a Tool for Constructing the Self in Politics

by Vincenzo Auriemma, Daniele Battista and Serena Quarta

Societies 2023, 13(12), 261; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc13120261 - 17 Dec 2023

Viewed by 2145

Abstract

This article offers an exploration of the theoretical and methodological implications related to the concept of digital embodiment in the field of contemporary communication. It seeks to analyze a crucial intersection between the virtual and material dimensions of human experience, enabling a deeper understanding of how bodies are shaped, visualized, and experienced in the digital age. Specifically, through this conceptual lens, we examine how human bodies are engaged in continuous interaction with digital technologies, giving rise to new forms of presence and identity. Therefore, we will seek to analyze how the personalization of the body within political communication has been profoundly affected by the virtualization of human experience. Next, we will introduce a new approach, useful for studying this fusion, that can emphasize the importance of analyzing this issue using ethnography, which is useful for fully understanding the complex dynamics surrounding the personalized digital body. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Interactions and the Technology Development: Perspectives on E-Societies)

16 pages, 700 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of the Third Digital Divide in Relation to Digital Socialization Itineraries among University Students in Uruguay

by Mariano Agustin González-Chouciño and Raúl Ruiz-Callado

Societies 2023, 13(12), 252; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc13120252 - 6 Dec 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2311

Abstract

The social transformations generated by digitization and the increasing prominence of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in social relations have underscored the need to delve deeper into the analysis of digital divides to enhance our understanding of social inequalities in the digital age. Thus, sociology has delved into identifying the variables that underpin differential capacities to make productive use of digital technologies for improving living conditions, a phenomenon referred to as the third digital divide. This study delves into this issue by analyzing the digital socialization itineraries of young people. To achieve this, the technique of techno-biographical interviews was employed with 30 university students in Uruguay. Through the classification of interviews into clusters based on coding similarity, five digital socialization itineraries were identified: contextual disengagement, aspirational advancement, productive channeling, controlled development, and abusive development. By closely examining these groups, a set of variables with significant biographical impacts was identified, affecting both the capacity to harness digital technologies and the potential risks associated with their use. The findings hold relevance for guiding research in the field and for policymakers in addressing ICT education challenges during childhood and adolescence. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Interactions and the Technology Development: Perspectives on E-Societies)

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20 pages, 720 KiB

Open AccessArticle

When Sociotechnical Imaginaries Become True: Digital Transition of Public Services and Inequalities during the Pandemic

by Roberto Cibin

Societies 2023, 13(10), 220; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc13100220 - 11 Oct 2023

Viewed by 2206

Abstract

As a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many public institutions in Europe designed policies that increased the use of ICTs with the public to provide or collect information, offer support, and perform educational activities. This process was in line with a sociotechnical imaginary where people’s lives are increasingly “smart” and enhanced through digital innovation. We provide an analysis of the implications of this imaginary during the pandemic for people belonging to vulnerable categories, to understand how these actors are considered in the digital transition process at the European level. This analysis is based on qualitative data collected in 30 European countries in the frame of an EU project aimed at understanding how COVID-19-related public policies shaped social inequalities. Building on the intersection between gender studies, science and technology studies, and media studies, this analysis aims to contribute to a more inequality-aware policy reflection on the digital transition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Interactions and the Technology Development: Perspectives on E-Societies)

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16 pages, 956 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Configurational Evaluation of Spanish Teleworkers’ Perception and Nonperception of Stress during the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Jorge de Andrés-Sánchez

Societies 2023, 13(8), 178; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc13080178 - 28 Jul 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1366

Abstract

This paper assesses the explanatory power of individual, environmental, and job factors on Spanish telecommuters’ presence and absence of stress in a home telework setting during the COVID-19 crisis. It uses a survey of the Spanish agency “Centro de Investigaciones Sociológicas” on the perceptions of the Spanish population about several aspects of information communication technologies (ICTs) that was carried out in March 2021. We use fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to capture how factors combine to enable and inhibit stress feeling. The perception of stress is less covered by fsQCA configurations than the nonperception. However, fsQCA provides profiles that cause stress feelings and nonstress feelings with great consistency. We have checked that overload is the most important variable to explain stress. Likewise, fsQCA has also shown that while some variables, such as overload, isolation, non-adequacy, or organizational support, impact symmetrically on the presence and absence of stress perception, other factors, such as attaining a satisfactory work-home balance or gender, impact them asymmetrically. From a practical point of view, we can outline that clearer regulation of teleworking is needed to prevent imbalances in rights and obligations between companies and employees. However, there are also several challenges at the organization and worker level. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Interactions and the Technology Development: Perspectives on E-Societies)

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17 pages, 315 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Determinants of E-Government Use in the European Union: An Empirical Analysis

by Alexandra Lavinia Horobeț, Irina Mnohoghitnei, Emanuela Marinela Luminița Zlatea and Alexandra Smedoiu-Popoviciu

Societies 2023, 13(6), 150; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc13060150 - 20 Jun 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2160

Abstract

Efficient governments, defined as those that provide digital public services and effectively support their citizens through modern tools and channels, can be the result of a variety of factors, including education, urbanization, infrastructure, and economic growth as measured by GDP per capita. Existing research, however, has not provided a convincing answer to this question. At the same time, there is an undeniable increase in the availability and use of digital government services, with disparities in the range of services offered and access to infrastructure. Based on an empirical data set from 2008 to 2020, we propose an investigation into the determinants of e-government use in European Union countries. We use quantitative analysis based on the generalized method of moments (GMM) to explain why people use e-government. Furthermore, we substantiate the results found using the GMM methodology applied to panel data with Granger causality, which shows the contribution of variables to the current values of the other variables over time, highlighting the powerful influences between them. We discovered that education is the most important determinant factor for e-government use in the European Union, but there are some surprising findings, such as the negative correlation between internet use and e-government indicators, or the fact that a better government does not automatically result in economic growth. Rather, a developed country establishes the foundation for its citizens to use public services efficiently. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Interactions and the Technology Development: Perspectives on E-Societies)

13 pages, 438 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Implementing Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education: Pros and Cons from the Perspectives of Academics

by Alina Iorga Pisica, Tudor Edu, Rodica Milena Zaharia and Razvan Zaharia

Societies 2023, 13(5), 118; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc13050118 - 5 May 2023

Cited by 36 | Viewed by 33824

Abstract

This article investigates the perspectives of Romanian academics on implementing Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Higher Education (HE). The article analyzes the pros and cons of AI in HE, based on the views of eighteen academics from five Romanian universities. There is a large and heated debate about the proliferation of AI in many domains, with strong supporters and determined deniers. Studies that research the implications of AI enrich the evidence-based literature on the advantages, disadvantages, threats, or opportunities that AI creates for us, for businesses, or for societies. Though many aspects are still less well known, attitudes toward AI are still under construction. HE is a domain where the implications of AI create passionate discussions. HE is, eventually, the sector that shapes the masterminds of societies’ leaders. There is a quest to find the perspectives of those who will apply AI, who will work with or for AI, and those who are opposed to or in favor of implementing AI in HE. The conclusions revealed by this study are in line with similar studies that exist in the literature. The positive aspects of AI implementation in HE are related, in the view of academics, to gains in the learning–teaching process, improvements in students skills and competences, better inclusion, and greater efficiency in administrative costs. Similarly, the negative aspects revealed by the research are linked to psychosocial effects, data security, ethical aspects, and unemployment threats. However, there are some aspects (mostly negative) related to implementing AI in HE that are less exposed by the interviewed academics, which are mostly related to the costs and efforts of implementing AI in HE. The possible explanation of this situation is related to the lack of strategic vision on what, in fact, the implementation of AI in HE means, what this process involves, and the fact that digitalization in Romanian universities (as well as in the Romanian economy) is in its infancy. The contribution of the results of this research is mainly empirical and practical. These opinions should be used as resources for managers of HE institutions to develop better policies concerning the implementation of AI in HE and for strategic vision toward AI, with the ultimate purpose of achieving progress and prosperity for the entire society. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Interactions and the Technology Development: Perspectives on E-Societies)

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15 pages, 2158 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Online Commerce Pattern in European Union Countries between 2019 and 2020

by Cristina Burlacioiu

Societies 2023, 13(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc13010004 - 22 Dec 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2239

Abstract

The development of information technology, along with the high growth and diversification of consumer needs, has revolutionized the way in which business-to-consumer transactions occur. All this progress was boosted by the COVID-19 pandemic period in a different manner in each EU country, depending on different local aspects. The main goal of this paper is to determine the key characteristics of e-commerce in European Union countries in a pandemic context, based on Eurostat Digital Economy data for 2019–2020. Therefore, for an easier visualization, based on PCA, using 27 analyzed variables, new unique dimensions were revealed: 1. heavy online purchasers, 2. triggers for embracing digital purchasing, 3. perceived barriers against buying online (privacy concerns, security, or not having a card), 4. dynamics of online interaction with public authorities, and 5. enterprise online sharing. Moreover, clustering techniques set four groups of countries with different online commerce patterns that might require attention, according to their specificities, both from a government level and from a business perspective. Special attention is paid to Romania, which has one of the biggest e-commerce industries in Southeastern Europe, but with the share of e-commerce in total retail still quite low, despite this great increase. The models of other countries could be important in helping Romania to catch up with the most successful economies in terms of e-commerce. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Interactions and the Technology Development: Perspectives on E-Societies)

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12 pages, 261 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Interplay between Digitalization and Competitiveness: Evidence from European Countries

by Gheorghe Hurduzeu, Iulia Lupu, Radu Lupu and Radu Ion Filip

Societies 2022, 12(6), 157; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc12060157 - 7 Nov 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2288

Abstract

In modern societies, digitalization plays a tremendously important role for people and businesses. Apart from an economic representation, competitiveness characterizes a society from political, cultural, or human points of view. In this article, we aim to highlight the role of digital development from a competitiveness perspective, as there are few studies related to this relationship. The empirical investigation is based on panel data analysis for European Union countries for 2017–2022, considering the digital economy and society index (DESI) and the index developed by International Institute for Management Development (IMD), respectively IMD world competitiveness index. The results obtained are reported both for general indices and for the components of DESI, presented separately for the groups of Central and Eastern European countries and Western European countries. They indicate different influences for the two groups of countries, with only a few common aspects. The most obvious is the case of skilled labor. This aspect demonstrates the link between the various dimensions of digitalization and changes in human capital development strategies, as they appear in the specialized literature. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Interactions and the Technology Development: Perspectives on E-Societies)

12 pages, 1007 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Gamification in Ecology-Oriented Mobile Applications—Typologies and Purposes

by Angel Torres-Toukoumidis, Diego Vintimilla León, Andrea De-Santis and Paulo Carlos López-López

Societies 2022, 12(2), 42; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc12020042 - 8 Mar 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4302

Abstract

Mobile applications viewed as digital social change tools are focused on sustainable development, particularly in topics that address ecology and the environment. In this research, the aim is to systematize a review of the 10 most downloaded mobile applications in this context, but deepening on those that use game elements in their interface, organizing them according to components, mechanics and playful dynamics. Findings demonstrate the role of levels and achievements as more repeated dynamics, and challenges and feedback as more relevant elements in gameplay, and finally, emotions and narratives as components of the gamified experience. The incorporation of these elements in mobile games shows that digital gamification in the environmental context is organized from an alternative perspective, where argumentation, the succession of events, the progressive incorporation of difficulty and the interaction with the computerized system modify the traditional view that sees gamification as a superficial system of points. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Interactions and the Technology Development: Perspectives on E-Societies)

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Other

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11 pages, 679 KiB

Open AccessConcept Paper

New Perspectives for Human and Artificial Intelligence Interactions for Leadership e-Recruitment

by Dan Anghel

Societies 2023, 13(3), 55; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc13030055 - 26 Feb 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4080

Abstract

In order to adapt to the post-pandemic era, e-recruitment systems should change their requirements to search for a more competitive leader profile. These systems currently search for individual skills specific to leaders, taking into consideration whether a leader has the required skills and abilities for a certain job. The aim of this study is to improve e-recruitment searches for capable leaders in this new environment. In this regard, the study proposes to search for combinations of complementary skills. These skills, to be effective, should necessarily support each other in order to create successful management. The author’s proposal is to call this combination of skills: Leadership Complementary Skills (LCS). Understanding that some skills should be complementary in order to be viable, the LCS’ new insight into the hiring process was developed to comply with the aim of a performant organization. The idea was drawn from the author’s half a century of real-world experience and from several discussions with employers, employees, consultants and MBA students, debating cases along working and teaching. Statements are presented regarding proposals of appropriate combinations of skills to be implemented in the software of e-recruitment systems, their influence on employees’ behavior and the possible consequences on organizational outcomes. Consistent with the proposals, the author has also developed the Honeycomb Complementary Skills Model for Leadership as a first step in this endeavor, inviting future researchers to find other LCS to be added to the model and accomplish the actual ideal profile of a leader, opening as such a new field of research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Interactions and the Technology Development: Perspectives on E-Societies)

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