Technology and Innovation are seen as the hallmarks of progress and have revolutionised the way we live, work and connect. With all their potential and bright side, these innovations are not without their dark side.
Read more about Tech
Imagine feeling watched through your smart devices or AI misusing the data of users, hence breaching privacy. What if automation tools take over the jobs of humans, or technological addiction leads to mental illness? Or the environment becomes unsafe as a result of unsustainable practices. What will be the fate of humans? Should we pursue technological advancements with these risks attached?
In this article, we’ll be discussing the dark side of technology and how to mitigate some of these challenges. Let’s get started!
The Dark Side of Technology
When we speak of the dark side of technology, we are simply referring to the misuse or abuse of technologies leading to a disruption in society, exploitation of humans, privacy breaches, etc.
With this definition comes the realisation that these technologies are not necessarily evil, but their application can be harmful if not properly managed.
Examples of Dark Usage of Technology
Below are some examples of technologies and how they can be abused:
1. Facial Recognition Systems
- Use: This system is used to identify individuals in a public space.
- Abuse: This system can be abused through racial profiling, state control, use without consent, etc.
2. Deepfake Technology
- Use: This is used for creating hyper-realistic AI videos.
- Abuse: This technology, if not properly managed, can be used for political propaganda, identity theft, fake news creation, etc.
3. Autonomous Weapons
- Use: This is designed for combat operations without human input.
- Abuse: This tool, if manipulated, can be used for warfare, dehumanisation, and lead to civilian casualties.
4. Malware and Spyware Technology
- Use: This tool is used to hack and track data breaches.
- Abuse: If manipulated, these tools can be used by criminals or even the government to invade people’s privacy and manipulate data.
5. Virtual Reality Technology
- Use: This technology is designed for entertainment, therapy and training.
- Abuse: Can become a tool for escapism or emotional manipulation.
Sign up for the Connect Nigeria daily newsletter
Ethical Concerns in Technological Usage
These dark sides of technology raise ethical concerns, which will be addressed below:
1. Algorithm Concerns
AI systems learn from existing patterns and historical data, and if that data reflects societal biases such as racism or gender inequalities, AI systems are set to follow suit in this bias.
To mitigate this bias, there is a need for a transparent data-sourcing process and adequate testing of AI models.
2. Privacy Concerns
AI works with data, and this raises the ethical concern of data privacy. This opens up a gap where personal data and information can be compromised. To avoid the eventual consequences of this looming danger, there should be strong data protection regulations, and encryption technologies should be utilised.
3. AI Weaponisation
This is yet another looming danger stemming from the use of technology. If weaponised, these technologies can be used for cyberattacks and military purposes, and this can pose a threat to humanity. The solution here lies in establishing international corporations and treaties to ensure that AI is not weaponised.
4. Job Displacement Concerns
A lot of people are worried and concerned that the emergence of automation technologies will most likely lead to job displacement, with workers being replaced by AI systems. This concern can be resolved by investing efforts in upskilling initiatives to prepare the workforce for a technologically advanced economy.
Register to attend the CN Business Mixer
Concluding Thoughts
Technology in itself is not good or bad, but its usage controls its outcome. In other words, the harmful side of technology only exists as a result of abuse or misuse. Just like Myles Munroe said, when the purpose of a thing is not known, abuse is inevitable. We, therefore, need to come together to build a society where technology and innovation uplift humanity.
Got a suggestion? Contact us: [email protected]