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The Discourse of Technological Innovation: A New Domain for Accountability

We argue that the discourse of technological innovation is a rhetorical space that demands accountability. We examine how the discourse can potentially marginalize users’ experiences and perpetuate assumptions about the role of technology to solve problems. We analyze three technological innovations reported in the mainstream press and the way the promotion of these innovations demonstrates a “grand” narrative of innovation discourse. These technologies are: Edison, a device to analyze human blood using a few drops; SignAloud, a glove to transliterate American Sign Language; and AlterEgo, a wearable device that allows people to communicate without vocalizing. We demonstrate how the grand narrative is characterized by four discursive patterns. The impact of the narrative, we argue, leads to an essentializing of users and their needs and the totalizing of the effects of the technology, which work to uphold technological paternalism. We end with a call to action and suggest ways to introduce accountability practices in the classroom and in journalistic and media coverage of technological innovation.