AI & Soc (1999) 13:263-281 91999 Springer-VerlagLondonLimited A~] ~ ~ O ~ l l ~ ' r Y Technology and Social Relationships as Knowledge Elements: An Insight into the Institutional and Non-Institutional Relationships Andrea Resca Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Seoul, South Korea Abstract: The objective of this work is to analyse technology and social relationships using the concept of knowledge. Therefore technology is not only a means to produce and social relationships a means to interact, but also the result of a whole of elements. The concept of knowledge aims to analyse these elements both from a structural point of view, highlighting their characteristics, and from a dynamic point of view, which considers how subjects interpret and make sense of them. In this framework technologies and social relationships are reinterpreted according to knowledge that characterises each context, suggesting some clues to design technologies, information technologies and social policies. Keywords: East Asia; Knowledge; Phenomenological approach; Social relationship; Structural approach; Technology 1. Introduction Most commonly the term technology suggests an idea of sophisticated machines that carry out complex tasks, automatically, for example. Technology is considered as a whole of instruments that produces, makes and works. Technology is artificial and is not present in nature. Social relationships, on the other hand, are the natural result of beings' interactions, are represented by a variety of roles, allow the expres- sion of feelings as in friendships and families, and try to satisfy both material and spiritual needs. As a result of this, technology and social relationships have always been considered two distinct entities. Technology is objective and material, whereas social relationships characterise human beings. It is, however, unquestionable that the importance of technology is growing every day and is becoming an active part of people's lives. People are surrounded by technology. At home and at work technology is an important asset for subjects.