Alina Betlej
Papers
1
Total Citations
23
H-Index
1
About
Alina Betlej is a sociologist whose research sits at the critical intersection of technology, aging, and social inclusion. Her work focuses on how emerging technologies, particularly social robotics, can be designed to genuinely serve the needs of vulnerable populations. Her most cited paper, "Designing Robots for Elderly from the Perspective of Potential End-Users: A Sociological Approach" (2022, 23 citations), exemplifies her core contribution: challenging top-down technological development by centering the voices of the elderly themselves. Rather than asking what engineers can build, Betlej investigates how older adults envision robots, their existing knowledge of technology, and what constitutes an "age-friendly" design. This sociological lens reframes robotics from a purely technical challenge into a deeply social one, arguing that successful adoption hinges on aligning innovation with user expectations and lived experience. Through this work, Betlej provides a vital methodological framework for participatory design in gerontechnology. Her research is essential reading for students and scholars in science and technology studies, human-robot interaction, and the sociology of aging, offering a powerful reminder that the most impactful technologies are those built with, not just for, their end-users.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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