Disruptive technologies and future societies: Perspectives and forecasts based on Q-methodology

Based on Q-methodology, this study analyzes public perceptions of disruptive technologies and their impact on future social changes. It presents four competing perspectives on the relationship between technology and social change and four types of perceptions of the future of society. Type 1, the gradual optimism perspective, is characterized by human-centeredness, optimism, and gradual changes. Type 2, the disruptive pessimism perspective, predicts that the future of society will be technologically deterministic, pessimistic, chaotic, and disruptive. Type 3, the contingent optimism perspective, anticipates that in addition to technology, other external factors will influence social change. Type 4, the social shaping of technology perspective, contends that recent economic polarization will further intensify with technological developments.