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Human history has evolved through different stages. This development began with hunter-gatherer societies and was followed by agricultural societies, industrial societies, and information societies. The hunter-gatherer society is referred to as “Society 1.0,” the agricultural society as “Society 2.0,” the industrial society as “Society 3.0,” and the information society as “Society 4.0.”
With the industrial revolution, the industrial society transitioned to mass production, eventually giving way to the information society shaped by the invention of computers and the emergence of information sharing. Advances in information and communication technologies have brought profound changes to society and industry. In particular, toward the end of the 20th century, the development and globalization of digital technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and robotics initiated a transformative process in social and economic life. This transformation was described in Germany in 2011 as Industry 4.0, while in Japan, the concept of Society 5.0 emerged to address the needs of a “super-smart society” in the digital age.
What is Society 5.0?
Society 5.0 is a concept in which traditional societal structures are transformed through the influence of digital technologies. In this process, the ways humans interact and communicate fundamentally change, and technology’s impact on social life increases. Society 5.0 builds on the achievements of the information society while drawing lessons from the previous four societal stages. At its core, Society 5.0 focuses on humans and human well-being.
The primary goals of Society 5.0 include:
- Developing solutions for an aging global population
- Integrating the virtual and real worlds
- Leveraging the Internet of Things (IoT) for societal benefit
- Addressing environmental pollution and natural disasters
This model aims to bring a more sustainable and human-centered approach to the future through its emphasis on technology and people.
Key Features of Society 5.0
The most fundamental feature of Society 5.0 is the return of the human touch in production, led by scientific and technological innovation. This approach emphasizes the importance of human involvement in production processes to meet consumer demands for customization and personalization. While robots are highly effective in mass production, human contributions remain essential for adding special touches and personalization to products.
Collaborative robots—robots that work alongside humans—enhance speed, accuracy, and precision in production processes by combining technology and human input. This collaboration not only unlocks human creative potential but also advances the roles of both machines and humans in production.
Another key feature of Society 5.0 is its emphasis on sustainability and environmental awareness. This philosophy aims to use technology to improve human living standards without harming nature and the environment. Thus, societal well-being is enhanced sustainably while ensuring environmental protection.
Society 5.0 also supports justice, equality, and social diversity. It seeks to develop solutions that meet the diverse needs and expectations of people, promoting the well-being of all social groups and enabling everyone to realize their potential fully.
In summary, the defining features of Society 5.0 include:
- Human-technology collaboration
- Solutions focused on improving quality of life
- Sustainability and environmental consciousness
- Promotion of justice and equality
These features collectively support a more optimistic and sustainable vision for the future.
Social Impacts of Society 5.0
The societal impacts of Society 5.0 bring significant changes to business and everyday life. Increased digital interaction, easy access to information, and rapid communication are transforming social structures. For example, the transition to Society 5.0 has required changes in the education system, promoting more technology-focused, innovative learning models and increasing the importance of digital skills.
Digitalization and technological advancement have also given rise to virtual communities. People gather and interact online around shared interests, creating new forms of social interaction alongside traditional relationships. Digital platforms enable individuals to share emotions, ideas, and experiences, enhancing mutual understanding.
Society 5.0 and Social Media
In Society 5.0, social media plays an increasingly important role. Social media platforms facilitate the exchange of ideas, information sharing, and global connections, contributing to a more connected and globalized society.
Future Role, Goals, and Advantages of Society 5.0
In the future, the role of Society 5.0 will become even more prominent as the impact of digitalization on society increases. Rapid technological innovation will make social structures and human relationships more complex. In addition to the significant changes Society 5.0 will bring to lifestyles and industries, increased collaboration across sectors will enable people to pioneer new ways of living.
This approach aims not only to maintain human well-being and lifestyles but also to solve social problems and promote sustainable development in harmony with nature.
Society 5.0 aligns with the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to address global challenges and build sustainable societies. These goals include eliminating poverty, ending hunger, ensuring equality and justice, and improving access to clean water and sanitation.
The vision of Society 5.0 emphasizes the use of technology to enhance human life and take important steps toward societal sustainability, ultimately aiming to create a more livable and equitable world for the future.