Human-technology interaction is becoming increasingly problematic for many reasons. That much, most of us are probably aware of by now. However, there is a key element at play in the way technology, specifically social media, is being designed. This may not come as much of a shock, but digital technology creators often do not have our best interest in mind. 

There is a disparity between digital technology developers giving people what they want and respecting human vulnerabilities, and we know which is the priority. 

The dangers of advanced technology are not what most people think. We often think of self-aware futuristic AI bots that can outsmart and “overwhelm human strengths.” However, we’ve already passed a different, not as obvious, type of danger. Digital technology has “overwhelmed human weaknesses” (Center for Humane Technology, 2022). 

What are these “human weaknesses?” It’s probably of better interest to call them human vulnerabilities or human desires. These are part of the natural, evolutionary functions we experience as people. They include desires for social interaction, connection, validation, and fulfilling relationships. 

Digital technologies, especially social media, have overwhelmed these vulnerabilities by taking advantage of them. We are so tapped in that now, algorithms will give us exactly what content it knows we want to see to keep us perpetually engaged. Despite the risk of social media addiction and problematic media usage, developers will feed us these types of features (i.e. the infinite scroll), which undermines our wellbeing and capitalizes on our vulnerabilities for profit. 

One of the main issues in this topic is that the rhetoric is often turned around on the user. There are tips, tricks, and methods we can utilize to protect ourselves from the dangers of excessive Internet use. It is usually looked down upon to constantly be on your phone. 

Younger generations, like Gen Z, will be criticized for being chronically online, yet the world has been perfectly crafted for this exact environment by developers who understand human psychology and can tap into it – or, in other words, give the people what they want. 

This type of neoliberal mindset is somewhat counter-productive in making change. If consumers continue to point the finger at one another as we all fight device addiction, we allow digital technology creators to keep taking advantage of the masses. What would be more productive is demanding change in human-technology interaction. If developers are so persistent in giving people what they want, it is important to want new and improved systems that support and enable us to make beneficial choices.

References

Center for Humane Technology. (2022). Foundations of Humane Technology. app.participate.com. Participate. Retrieved October 2, 2022, from https://app.participate.com/course-bundles/foundations-of-humane-technology/20a00320-edeb-4ffc-b43f-c394397deb3b.