How ethics will change the future of technology | Olivia Gambelin | TEDxPatras

Summary

The speaker explores the deep connection between technology and humanity, highlighting that our creations—robotic arms, neural networks, and datasets—reflect our physical, mental, and behavioral aspects. The discussion transitions to the importance of ethics, emphasizing that good technology should align with human values and morals, fostering genuine connections, potential, and trust. By integrating ethics into tech development, we can ensure technology enhances rather than exploits our humanity, creating a world where tech supports the pursuit of fulfilling, value-driven lives.

Takeaways

• 🤖 Robotic arms are machines designed to mimic human arm functions, reflecting our physical interactions with the world.
• 🧠 Neural networks are computing systems inspired by the human brain, mimicking how our minds process information.
• 📊 Datasets collect information on human habits and activities, showing patterns in our behavior and reflecting our humanity.
• 🌐 Technology, at its core, is a reflection of our humanity, embodying our physical, mental, and behavioral traits.
• 🧡 To be human is to have values and to build life around these values, which are crucial to our identity and purpose.
• 💭 Emotions, dreams, and aspirations are integral parts of being human, adding depth to our existence beyond physical and mental functions.
• 🔍 Ethics is a powerful tool in our daily lives, guiding our decisions and actions to align with our values.
• 🧭 Ethics acts as a compass, helping us navigate life by ensuring our actions are in line with our values and purpose.
• 💻 Good technology should not exploit human nature but should support and empower us to live in alignment with our values.
• 🌟 The current state of technology often misses the mark on ethical considerations, leading to issues like privacy invasions and bias.
• 🔄 Reintegrating ethics into technology design and development can lead to a world where technology genuinely connects and empowers people.

Q & A

What do a robotic arm, a neural network, and a large dataset have in common?

They are all reflections of humanity.

How is a robotic arm a reflection of the human body?

A robotic arm functions like a human arm, with components like a wrist, elbow, and shoulder, mimicking human movements and interactions with the world.

In what way do neural networks reflect the human mind?

Neural networks are computing systems conceptually derived from the human brain, consisting of artificial neurons that process inputs and produce outputs, similar to biological neurons.

What do datasets represent in terms of human behavior?

Datasets are collections of information points on human habits and activities, reflecting patterns in human behavior.

Why is technology considered a reflection of humanity?

Technology mirrors our mind, body, and behaviors, demonstrating that it is an extension of our human characteristics and interactions with the world.

What are some of the elements that define being human?

Being human encompasses our mind, body, behaviors, emotions, dreams, aspirations, beliefs, values, and our ability to love and cherish connections.

How do ethics play a role in our daily lives?

Ethics guide our decisions and actions, ensuring they align with our values and helping us live a fulfilling and purposeful life.

What is meant by 'good technology'?

Good technology is designed to help us embrace our humanity, support our values, and enable us to live in alignment with these values.

What are some examples of 'bad technology' mentioned in the script?

Examples include social media networks exploiting insecurities, health apps selling personal data, credit scoring algorithms based on zip codes, biased HR software, and profit-driven recommendation systems.

How can ethics be used in technology development?

By integrating ethics into design and development decisions, technology can be aligned with human values, creating systems that empower and support a fulfilling human life.