Decolonization through Technology and Decolonization of Technology

Abstract

Through colonialism, external forces can alter and shift social structures and practices, thus, profoundly marginalizing the collective identities of local and indigenous populations. Decolonization is the undoing of the impacts of colonial domination. While sociotechnical systems (e.g., online platforms) can support the identity work of such marginalized communities, scholars have also discussed how these systems impose values and exhibit colonial impulses. By employing a mixed method approach, I am interested in understanding how the previously colonized Bengali people decolonize their identities on online platforms; how the designs of these platforms support and impede their identity work and expression–to develop decolonial designs for postcolonial cultural contexts.