The many questions concerning technology: Implications for tourism, hospitality, events and leisure research

Abstract

Heidegger offers a philosophical perspective on technology that challenges us to engage with the essence of technology instead of adopting instrumentalist views of technology as collections of technological artifacts or tools. He warns that such a view on technology enframes how we relate to technology, and colors what we see and value in potentially dangerous ways. In reflecting on information and communication technology-related research in tourism, hospitality, events and leisure, this paper reveals that existing research rarely engages with technology in deep and critical ways. As a result, many research questions concerning technology in the field remain unasked or inadequately formulated. Building on Heidegger's philosophy of technology and bringing in additional philosophical streams of thought, this paper seeks to re-orient and widen technology research. It does so by drafting a preliminary research agenda that provides examples of the kind of questioning from which technology-related research might benefit.