Technologies of the Covid-19 Pandemic – A Transnational Dialogue between Germany and Japan (TECHCO)

Basic data for this project

Description

The corona crisis was – resp. still is – a global challenge that is largely accompanied by digital technologies. These so-called “crisis technologies” encompass three primary categories: information, communication, and containment platforms. Internationally, highly digitized states in East Asia have demonstrated how the population can actively engage in a digital pandemic response. However, the utilization and management of crisis technologies also unveil significant disparities between the ‘West’ and ‘East,’ highlighting distinct socio-cultural foundations and ethical meanings. Current studies on the acceptance and rejection of tools for digital pandemic responso indicate varying preferences in different countries. Nevertheless, there has been limited consideration thus far regarding the extent to which the use and handling of digital technologies in crises are influenced by diverse socio-cultural understandings. The objective is to foster a culturally sensitive dialogue among participants, thereby bringing to light socially and ethically informed perspectives rooted in existing cultural differences. This approach aims to illuminate such differences by employing a German-Japanese comparison and exploring the highly relevant example of digital technologies during a crisis.