Suggest modification to this talk

Title

Description

Date

Summarized using AI?

If this talk's summary was generated by AI, please check this box. A "Summarized using AI" badge will be displayed in the summary tab to indicate that the summary was generated using AI.

Show "Summarized using AI" badge on summary page

Summary

Markdown supported

In the talk "You. And The Morals of Technology," presented by Fernando Mendes at the Balkan Ruby 2019 conference, the speaker explores the moral implications of technology and how developers navigate these complex ethical dilemmas. He encourages the audience to think critically about their actions and the broader implications of the technology they create.

**Key Points Discussed:**
- **Introduction to Morality:** Mendes begins by discussing the nature of morality, prompting the audience to reflect on various ethical scenarios related to everyday life and technology. He engages the audience with examples that challenge their moral judgments, such as taking free samples, using work supplies, or utilizing a neighbor’s Wi-Fi.
- **Technology and Social Media:** The talk delves into Facebook’s emotional experimental practices, indicating that social media platforms can unintentionally influence user moods and behaviors. Mendes highlights Facebook's moral responsibility in harnessing AI technology without causing harm.
- **Privacy Concerns:** Mendes addresses the increasing loss of privacy in the digital landscape. He provides insights into how the technology used in surveillance systems could lead to potential misuse and ethical implications for developers.
- **China's Technological Landscape:** The speaker touches on China's advanced technology situation, including the Great Firewall, social credit systems, and facial recognition. These examples exemplify the moral dilemmas faced by developers when building tools that can be used for surveillance and social control.
- **Impact on Children and Society:** Another focus is on the effects of technology on children, particularly how influencers on platforms like Instagram can shape dietary choices and behavior. Mendes warns of the datafication of children and the long-term consequences it might incur.
- **5G Technology and Artistic Opportunities:** He discusses the implications of 5G, highlighting the digital divide and its potential to alter the landscape of artistic expression and revenue generation for artists.
- **Ethical Boundaries in Science and AI:** Mendes raises profound questions surrounding advances such as CRISPR and AI, urging developers to consider the possible societal consequences of creating ‘superior’ humans or autonomous decisions in self-driving cars.
- **Call to Action:** Mendes concludes by motivating developers to take responsibility for their contributions to technology and society. He shares his initiative, Include Braga, which helps those in need and encourages others to engage in meaningful community work.

**Conclusions:** The talk emphasizes the importance of recognizing the moral dimensions of technology and the responsibilities of developers in shaping a future that prioritizes ethical considerations. Mendes advocates for collective awareness and action among technologists to ensure that progress does not come at the cost of societal well-being and ethical standards.

Cancel