Digital (un)sustainabilities: An introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has reinvigorated the conversation surrounding the synergy between digital technology and sustainability, echoing long-established views of international organisations. At this critical juncture, as environmental challenges intensify and sometimes approach irreversibility, the idea of promoting sustainability through digital means is gaining widespread endorsement. Supported by a wealth of authoritative reports, international policies, and domestic development agendas, digital sustainability promises more than just environmental preservation; it envisions a future where technology fosters equitable societies, improves public health, and enhances transparency and accountability in governance. However, this optimistic view is now facing increasing scrutiny from both the social sciences and computer science communities. The opening chapter of this volume sets the stage for an in-depth exploration of digital sustainability by examining the dual nature of digital technology—its ability to both support and exacerbate environmental and social issues. By challenging the direct correlation between increased digitalisation and greater sustainability, this chapter lays the groundwork for a balanced investigation into achieving true social and environmental sustainability in the digital age.