What Are the Ethical Dilemmas in Technology?
There are many ethical questions concerning the use of technology. For example, using new technology by individuals and governments has raised concerns about human rights, privacy, and security. But what exactly is technology? Should ethical standards regulate it?
There are at least three broad answers to this question. One is a technology that is designed to improve people’s lives. Two is a technology that substantially benefits those who use it and does not necessarily threaten the existing norms of society. The third is a technology that is neither designed to improve nor create something that would significantly impact the community. The key is choosing which ethical issues to address when considering technology.
Should technology that increases efficiency or makes the world a better place in some way be regulated by ethical standards? The general principle behind this is that a society must allow its people to flourish and be free to pursue their desires. A technological change can be an improvement that helps people, but if it degrades their freedom or puts their safety at risk, it would be a failure of social responsibility.
What about technology that enhances human relationships and understanding? Should ethical standards regulate it? Technological change can be an increase in knowledge or perceived knowledge and an increase in interpersonal interaction or communication. If it poses a real threat to the well-being of the people who use it, it must be regulated by ethical standards.
How about technology that promotes self-development and independence? Should it be regulated by ethics just as much as the technology that allows people to work together and improve their lives? Again, the principle behind this is that a developing society needs to have a responsibility to be self-reliant. It cannot be denied that technology plays a vital role in this. However, it is not the whole story, and technology should not be allowed to control how people decide to use it.
What about the technology that makes the world a global village? Does it raise ethical questions for society? Of course, it does. After all, what happens when a child lives in a different country from his parents? Technology allows us to reach out and meet our extended family from any corner of the world.
Does technology promote freedom and democracy? Technological change undoubtedly shapes the character of a country, a civilization, and the world as we know it. However, it is not the whole story and is not always correct. In addition, real questions must be asked when using technology, especially those about the invasion of privacy and surveillance.
Can technology take away the hard work of ordinary people? No. Science and technology will never eliminate manual labor. Nor will it bring universal peace and prosperity. Instead, it can help us achieve equality in wealth and opportunity. So we need to ask the tough questions.
Can ethical questions be raised about a computer and its usage? Unfortunately, the mere mention of “ethics” and “computers” causes many to freeze. Why is this? Because most people do not realize that their personal information is not private when they use a computer, even on their personal computers.
A person’s entire identity is placed in the hands of a computer and sent over the Internet. Who knows what a person has done using a computer in the past or the future? It is probably unethical if you have something on your computer that you think is private but is not. Do you want to know what a person is doing?
It is not only children who should be concerned about the privacy of their computers. Everyone should be concerned about the privacy of their computer usage. If a person feels uncomfortable divulging some of their innermost thoughts and desires through the computer, they should not be using it in the first place. Why does a computer make someone feel uncomfortable? It may be because there is a total invasion of their privacy when a person uses a computer.
When was the last time you discussed technology with your friends and family? If your answer was never, then you should start today. If you don’t discuss technology with your friends and family, how will they know if they should use the technology you do? Most parents are against using technology, but others allow their children to use it because they feel it is safe. Don’t be a parent constantly trying to warn your child about technology – show them how technology can be dangerous if you don’t use it responsibly.
