The pandemic has exposed a contradiction in modern
society. We are more connected than ever – proven by the speed
and truly global spread of the virus; nevertheless, we are also
deeply divided.
Today’s connectedness, enforced by social distancing, has
pushed the role of technology in every aspect of our lives to a
new level. The tech industry is now in a challenging space:
trapped between the increasing politicization of technology, the
still superficial social debate around its impact and the slow
adaptation of appropriate legislation. Right now, the industry
needs to enable and push forward this ethical debate, recognizing
its responsibility in this historic moment.
The first step is to end the myth of tech neutrality. We
need to acknowledge that technology is caught between private
economic interests and its social value. Some tech business
models, for example, prioritize commodification of data or
advertising revenue over the social value of their services — the
sharing of knowledge, connecting people, etc.
The social impact of tech is deeper than we usually
perceive and most of the time invisible to us. Digital architecture
determines, increasingly, social interactions in our digital society.
An example of this is the invisible influence of search engine and
social media algorithms, the results of which shape our
understanding of the world.
In this moment of crisis, technology can play a
fundamental role in overcoming the economic recession and
reducing the systemic injustices that have been exposed.
Social exclusion - the next pandemic.
Internet: <www.thoughtworks.com> (adapted)
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