Chapter 1: The Disconnect in Technology Ethics

When discussing the responsibilities of consumers and producers, distinct contrasts emerge across various device categories, prompting original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to pay attention.

A pivotal moment in my understanding of technology ethics occurred during a design conference in 2019. A prominent figure in the tech world, who has dedicated much of their career to smartphones, took the stage to address the acceleration of complex technologies aimed at enhancing lives. The core message was to allocate more resources toward meaningful challenges, rather than developing the next social media application.

During the question-and-answer segment, someone asked, “Given our current knowledge, how do you perceive the influence of technologies like smartphones on individuals and society? What role does a company like [OEM] play in this?” This inquiry was rooted in concerns over issues such as device addiction, the diminishing attention spans, and the unhealthy relationships individuals foster with technology. It was a valid question, reflecting on the lessons we've learned.

The response was startling: “A smartphone is akin to a refrigerator. What you choose to store in that fridge is your own responsibility. Whether you opt for healthy or unhealthy choices is up to you. The manufacturer is not accountable for that.” I was taken aback.

This technology leader, revered by many, was simultaneously advocating for addressing significant challenges while dismissing any accountability that tech companies may have regarding how their products are utilized. This profound disconnect between the tech elite's vision for a brighter future and the reality faced by everyday users in their tech-driven world was shocking.

Section 1.1: The Technology Without Empathy

“When all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail.” — Bernard Baruch

In the 21st century, technology seems to be the go-to solution for every problem. Regardless of the challenge, Silicon Valley is eager to provide a technological fix. But what happens when new issues arise post-solution implementation? The answer appears to be to simply apply more technology until the issue is resolved.

A pervasive lack of accountability is the current norm across the tech landscape. Investigations by U.S. and EU lawmakers often reveal that CEOs deflect criticism and shift blame elsewhere. Even when potential problems are acknowledged, they frequently suggest that self-regulation is enough to maintain order, disregarding the need for external oversight.

This sentiment aligns closely with the disconcerting conference experience I mentioned earlier. Instead of confronting the issues stemming from persuasive technology, the focus was shifted to blaming users. Why can't they act more responsibly? Why don’t they make better choices? They are presented with ample options; surely, they should be more informed and possess greater self-control.

One fundamental issue in the tech industry today is a glaring lack of empathy. Many tech companies are staffed by a homogenous group of young individuals, resulting in a significant cognitive and moral gap. When the workforce doesn't reflect the diversity of their customer base, it's unsurprising that they fail to grasp the complexities of user experiences.

Subsection 1.1.1: Rethinking Creator Responsibility

As discussions around sustainability heat up, the concept of extended producer responsibility has gained traction. This principle aims to broaden the obligations of producers, extending beyond mere warranties to encompass product disposal and other aspects. It encourages manufacturers to prioritize repairability and recyclability throughout the design and production phases.

We need a similar framework for software developers, requiring them to assume accountability for their creations. If a product team introduces a feature that clearly has detrimental effects, they should be obligated to rectify it or face consequences. This shift is essential to counteract the diffusion of responsibility prevalent in large organizations, where no one feels accountable for ethical considerations.

Moreover, monitoring impacts must extend beyond a company’s profits and performance metrics. Social and environmental responsibility necessitates tracking secondary and tertiary effects, which may be less tangible than conversion rates, to truly understand a product’s influence.

This might sound daunting, but no one claimed it would be easy. The act of creation carries immense responsibility and should not be taken lightly. Introducing something new into the world alters reality, and that process should be handled with care.

Chapter 2: The Evolution of Responsibility

The first video titled "Do You Put Your Phones In A Fridge?" explores the relationship between technology and user responsibility, emphasizing the choices users make with their devices.

The second video "Android Phone in Refrigerator! :D" humorously examines the absurdity of treating phones like fridges while discussing the implications of technology in daily life.

The manufacturer of my refrigerator holds a clear responsibility. Currently, they provide a warranty, but ideally, they should also take charge of recycling and proper disposal in the future. However, they are not responsible for the contents of the fridge, as it neither acts as a gatekeeper (unlike the App Store) nor does it frequently make recommendations or facilitate third-party interactions in an intrusive manner.

Conversely, smartphone manufacturers today limit their accountability to hardware warranties. In the future, they should also consider repairability and disposal, but they must also acknowledge their role in what is accessible on our devices. They facilitate the infrastructure that allows third-party applications to interact with users.

We can and should demand accountability from companies like Facebook and Google for their involvement in these issues. However, this does not absolve Apple of responsibility. If an app leverages platform features to increase addiction, Apple must also accept its share of accountability. Although they have made some significant updates recently, these efforts are undeniably overdue and insufficient.

The act of creation must be approached with seriousness, and accountability does not diminish over time.

If you have any thoughts or questions, I welcome your feedback in the comments below or feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn. Thank you for engaging with this discussion.