Is Digital Technology Distinct from Information Technology? A Pragmatic, Strategic Approach to “Digital” Labeling and Theorizing

This paper is a provocation. It points out the concerning trend of framing digital technology as if it is distinct from information technology. While this practice has positive effects (such as conveying relevancy to external stakeholders), it also builds up and generates detrimental externalities, which have gone largely unnoticed—or at least, not brought up to open forums. The key detriments include (1) a hampered cumulative tradition in the IS discipline and (2) the amorphous, ephemeral value we mistakenly create and project about IS studies and majors—especially in this hyper-competitive educational environment. We, IS scholars (young or seasoned), must be cognizant of these harmful externalities and try to minimize them while utilizing the positive ones. This research commentary contributes to the embryonic collective effort by proposing a set of strategic acts rooted in the philosophical tradition of pragmatism.