Technologists develop solutions—but when emerging technology and social media dramatically alter how we learn, live and even die, who can address problems? It’s time we reflect on Tech Ethics: our approach to the implications and unintended consequences of developing and implementing technology.
Tech Ethicists address algorithmic bias, potential job losses through advancing technology, data privacy, the role of tech platforms in moderating speech, the ethics regarding autonomous vehicles and the ethical design of products/apps.
Big Tech appears to be caught between a rock and a hard place. When platforms such as Facebook and Twitter ban speech that is deemed inappropriate, they are accused of bias and censorship. And when the platforms keep up content that others believing is sowing discord, chaos and misinformation, the companies are accused of being neglectful. To make matters more complicated, tech companies must be careful not to be considered a publisher or media company, as doing so would trigger legal liability.
Search engine moralization? The Supreme Court of Facebook? Learn more about free speech in Big Tech.
Are we talking to another human when we’re online? While there’s been a lot of discussion around bots running rampant online, there’s also the less noticeable problem of automated speech that is blurring the line between being human versus being bot. While automating communication may be advantageous from individual vs. platform perspectives (given that more data=more money), it may offend our notion of reciprocity in relationships—and sow confusion.
From human-like bots to preserving human relationships, learn more about becoming botified.
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Engage Now with this Educational Exercise |
Let’s imagine that you and your significant other text each other every night to say, “I love you.” When your partner texts you the statement, “I love you,” there are likely only a few variations of responses that you typically write back. Would it be unethical to automate your response by setting an auto reply of “I love you!” back to your partner?
Robots that look human tend to cause a mixture of awe and apprehension, triggering ethical concerns around how we should treat these machines and also how the machines may be altering our own behavior. If a robot looks human, should it be treated just like a human? A major concern revolves around the mistreatment of human-looking robots and how that may—or may not—influence our human-to-human interactions.
Would having a human-looking robot increase aggressive behavior, or would it serve as a harmless outlet?
At what point would a human-looking robot deserve rights?
Continue exploring the ethics of human-like robot design from an artist’s perspective and more.
David Ryan Polgar is a pioneering Tech Ethicist who paved the way for the hotly-debated issues around Facebook, privacy, ethical design, digital wellbeing and what it means to be human in the digital age. He is often featured in the media, including CBS This Morning, Fast Company, SiriusXM, CNN.com, LA Times, Washington Post and many others. David is the founder of All Tech Is Human, an initiative to better align technology with the human interests of users, along with the co-host of the podcast & NYC live show Funny as Tech. He is a frequent writer (Quartz, IBM think Leaders, Dell Perspectives) and global speaker (3-time TEDx, The School of The New York Times, The Next Web). David is currently working on a digital citizenship class for adults (Skillshare). He is an advisor for Hack Mental Health and #ICANHELP.
All Tech Is Human is an event that helps co-create a more thoughtful future towards technology.
Funny as Tech is a weekly podcast and regular live show tackling controversial issues in technology.
Tech Ethics Curricula: A Collection of Syllabi (Medium)
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Ethics in Technology Practice
A project by from Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University with support from the Tech and Society Solutions Lab at Omidyar Network. Includes an overview, case studies, toolkit, slides, and more
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Ethical Foundations Class Introduces Ethical Thinking to Computer Science Students
(The University of Texas at Austin)
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Ethically Aligned Design (IEEE)
Crowdsourced standards from various cross-disciplinary academics and leaders across the globe, this updated guide includes recommendations for policy makers, academics, and technologists.
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Data Science Code of Professional Conduct
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10 Commandments of Computer Ethics (from the Computer Ethics Institute)
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Data for Democracy
“Data for Democracy brings together an active, passionate community of people using data to drive better decisions and improve the world in which we live.”
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Data & Society
“Data & Society is a research institute focused on the social and cultural issues arising from data-centric technological development.”
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COED:ETHICS (based in UK)
“Resources & Ideas about coding ethics for developers and technologists.”
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Technically Wrong: Sexist Apps, Biased Algorithms, and Other Threats of Toxic Tech
by Sara Wachter-Boettcher
You Are Not a Gadget: A Manifesto
by Jaron Lanier
Heartificial Intelligence: Embracing Our Humanity to Maximize Machines
by John C. Havens
