Innovating Cautiously
“Artificial Unintelligence” by Meredith Broussard and the HBR IdeaCast featuring Kara Swisher warn about the potential consequences of fast-moving technological innovations. Both Swisher and Broussard recognize the importance technology has on society as it has become “addictive and necessary.” However, both would agree it was created too quickly without consideration of the potential ethical issues. Something that Swisher said that stuck with me was “I think if you’re an inventor, you should understand the impact of your creation, and they don’t do that. Either it’s because they always have to be optimistic for some reason, or they just want money and they want growth over everything else. So, I think their lack of care is really disappointing.”
Tying it back to our class discussions and the digital studies minor, I think this can be used as a reminder for future technology innovations to be cautious, think about problems that could arise, and prepare for how we would tackle them. As the next generation with new ideas, it is important we are informed and learn from these voices that have seen the power technology has. As a part of the digital studies program, we can make a commitment to stay informed on the current news and encourage others to do the same. Each of the fields we are in are impacted by technology and the advancements that come with it.
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The question is what we should do as a society about this issue we are directly affected by but have little say in. Who should have the power to make decisions regarding these tech innovations? Is it something the government should be responsible for, the citizens that are impacted by it, or the big tech companies that are the root of the problem? “Technovaunists” or those who are overly optimistic that technology can solve all societal problems, are innovating rapidly without adequately considering ethical, social, or practical implications. This can be dangerous as those who are leary don’t have time to carefully consider before they are implemented. While this all may sound very negative, it is important to remember technology can be a very good thing when thought is put behind it we just have to advocate for the thought part. The best thing we can do is continue educating ourselves and encourage responsible and ethical innovations.
Broussard, Meredith. Artificial Unintelligence: How Computers Misunderstand the World. The MIT Press, 2019.
