In an age where our smartphones know more about our daily routines than our own families, the line between helpful technology and intrusive surveillance has become increasingly blurred. Let’s start with a common scenario: Have you ever talked about a product, only to find it advertised on your phone moments later? It’s like magic, except it’s not – it’s data analytics, and it’s watching us. Similar concerns arise when we consider the example of smart cities. Traffic flows smoothly thanks to real-time data, public services are more accessible, and safety is improved through surveillance systems. But at what cost? The very cameras and sensors that keep the city safe might also be the ones tracking our every move. It’s a transformation we can’t stop, but we must shape and guide it with careful thought.
This convergence of technology and daily life leads us to a crucial aspect of sustainability in software engineering, which I delved into in my previous article – not the environmental one, but social sustainability which encompasses the ethical use of technology and the protection of social values. It’s about striking a balance between leveraging technology for societal benefits and safeguarding individual freedoms and rights.
So, where do we draw the line? How do we ensure that technology remains a tool for social responsibility? We all have a part to play. As users, we need to get savvy about what’s going on with our tech. You can push for better practices by choosing tech that respects your rights. It is not as easy as saying, “I no longer want to use Google Maps because it tracks my every move.” Oftentimes, the challenge lies in confronting the realities of our digital dependence. It’s about questioning and understanding the trade-offs we make for convenience. We don’t have to abandon all technology, but maybe start by demanding greater transparency from tech companies about how they use our data. As consumers, we have power, and if enough of us ask for these changes, the market will have to respond. By choosing products and services that align with our values, we send a clear message about the importance of social sustainability and ethical responsibility.
On the other side of the spectrum, tech companies and developers hold a critical role. My upcoming series explores how the tech industry can foster social sustainability by respecting privacy, promoting transparency, and building trust. Because in the end, technology should serve us, not watch us.
Photo by Yan Krukau via Pexels
