Social perception of technology in Chile

Abstract

The present study analyzes how technology is perceived and conceptualized by Chile’s adult population. A quantitative study was conducted based on a sample of 181 adult individuals resident in the region of Valparaíso, Chile. The results of the study show that the concept of technology is ascribed different meanings depending on the age, gender, and socioeconomic status of the individual. Women tend to associate the concept with the internet, while men think of complex manufacturing processes. Individuals of high and medium-high socioeconomic status tend to perceive technology more positively than other socioeconomic groups. Interestingly, in institutional terms, the Government is considered by the majority of individuals to be the leading agent within the national innovation system, seen as having the greatest responsibility in terms of generating genuine technological development, followed by private firms and universities. The analyzed results serve as a contribution to the discussion surroundingtechnological development in Chile.