Information Technology and the Experience of Disorder

Information and communication technology (ICT) is a prime modality of ordering in the contemporary world. However, order creates and needs its own disorder, and ICT has a long record of failing to deliver on its promises and creating the experience of disorder. This paper looks at the myths of ordering around ICT and then looks at people's experiences of ICT disorder. In particular it looks at three factors: the informal networks that develop because of problems with ICT and with ICT help; the failure of management and communication in hierarchy and finally the failure of requirements engineering to live up to its promise. This focus on disorder may suggest a new way of approaching the so-called ‘Information Society’.