Today I will be speaking to the concept of solutionism and answering what is solutionism. Solutionism by definition is the belief that every problem has a solution based in technology. This concept was developed by Dr. Morozov in the text, To Save Everything, Click Here.
Solutionism is a worldview infused with the technocratic values of efficiency, cleanliness, productivity, values that are poorly suited to life in a pluralistic liberal democracy. Solutionism promotes the concept that there are always multiple solutions to any one problem. While some solutions may be better or worse the criteria for evaluating them are self-evident. Solutionism perceives the concept that is always one clear problem with one easy solution to not hold. Resulting in solutionism’s danger is held in the concept that its problems are narrowly defined.
Solutionism works to eliminate all problems through technology. In other words any given problem can be solved in the face of technology. The idea of problem solving can even be proactive, in the sense of providing the solution before the problem is defined. This is most commonly in the setting of a customer or client. Companies surround themselves on the foundation of customer service. Constantly working to produce answers to a client’s needs.
The idea of solutionism results in a lot of debate. Is it good or bad? One side swaying to the concept that with the trouble free technology solutionism drives out imperfection. Technology constantly brings solutions from long-distance communication to directions on how to get to the shop. The technology can predict and solve human problems. Whereas, another side argues that with such solutions, solutionism shuts down progress. The concept that those focus on technology and accept its solutions, progress has come to a halt. People rely on technology and there are no progressions being made.
Hi, Sophia! Thanks for sharing this post with the class; it was a pleasure to read your summary of Morozov’s concept of solutionism that we discussed and read about this past week. I like that you addressed how there is debate surrounding solutionism – specifically on the grounds of whether technology has been “good” or “bad.” In my own life, I’ve definitely observed that technology solves a lot of the problems that I face. As you’ve mentioned, needing directions and relying on my phone to navigate me is a common one, as well as just needing any given question answered (via Google or Internet search engine), and communicating a message to others. However, I can also relate a bit to the critiques that solutionism receives. There’s a 10-year age gap between my younger siblings and I, so I’ve definitely noticed their overwhelming dependence on technology. Since they’ve grown up in a society dominated by smartphones, tablets, laptops, etc., I think their ability to perform certain tasks manually and engage in thought processes that don’t involve technology is impacted to a certain extent.