This week, I formally began my research on life before the widespread adoption and use of the internet. One of the ethical questions I'm considering at the moment is the role big tech plays in phone addiction and the impact it has on society. Should tech be humanity first? Should apps, websites, devices, and products be designed to preserve human interaction and quality interpersonal relationships, or should profit come before everything? Is the tech inherently addictive, or are users easily addicted?
As I continue to explore the numerous viewpoints on such a divisive issue, especially today, where tech is in everything we do, I'm finding myself increasingly torn on my stance. I'm currently phoneless as my phone took an unforeseen cycle through the washing machine, and I impatiently await a replacement. During this time, I've really felt the impact tech has on my life, from walking with no music, being afraid to navigate without a map, feeling disconnected from others, not being able to use Duo mobile, and so much more; my awareness of tech's prevalence is certainly higher. As I do more research, I think I'm becoming increasingly less techy, but it's so hard to imagine what my life would look like if it were less tech-filled!
So far, I've been researching in Butler, but with the construction happening on Low, it may be time for a quieter study spot!