Research on the construction of techno-ethical order under the paradigm of risk society theory – an empirical study based on scientometrics and qualitative comparative analysis

Purpose The rapid development of information technology, epitomized by AIGC and the metaverse, presents unprecedented challenges to techno-ethics, exposing society to significant risks and uncertainties. A systematic investigation and discussion of the construction of techno-ethical order become crucial under the paradigm of risk society theory. The selection of conditions and pathways for constructing a techno-ethical order under the risk society theory paradigm becomes an unavoidable and vital issue. Design/methodology/approach Drawing on risk society theory, this study employs scientometrics and qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) to empirically analyze the key factors and conditional pathways in the construction of techno-ethical order. Initially, a quantitative analysis is conducted on 1,490 thematic literature retrieved from CNKI and WoS to identify the hot topics and core concepts in techno-ethical research. Subsequently, QCA configuration analysis is applied to calculate eight evaluation indicators and their weights from the perspectives of government, society and individuals. Finally, the study explores the mechanisms of the impact of these indicators’ weights on the construction of techno-ethical order. Findings The analysis of factor weights and pathways indicates that the selection of pathways for constructing techno-ethical order is influenced both by the inherent development patterns of technology and societal systems and cultural values. Literature metrics analysis reveals an overall trend of sustained growth in techno-ethical research, indicating an unprecedented prosperity in this field. Alongside technological advancements, keywords related to “artificial intelligence” play a crucial role in current techno-ethical research. Configuration analysis demonstrates that conditional variables from the dimensions of government, society and individuals form a configuration pathway, influencing and synergistically impacting the overall level of techno-ethical order construction. Attention should be given to the mutual constraints and synergistic effects of factors related to technological development, societal systems and cultural values. Originality/value This study, grounded in the risk society theory paradigm, quantitatively explores the key factors and pathways of techno-ethical order construction in academic texts, expanding new perspectives, providing novel insights, establishing innovative methodologies and extending new boundaries in the field. Further enrichment of the dataset and in-depth discussions are warranted for continued advancement.