Ethical Considerations of Influencing Behavior Using Computer Technology
Introduction: Computer technology and cyberspace have become an inseparable part of human life today and have affected all aspects of individual and social life. Today, the use of various psychological techniques in the design of products and services based on computer technology is being pursued se...
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Iranian Association for Ethics in Science and Technology
2025-01-01
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| Series: | International Journal of Ethics and Society |
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| Online Access: | http://ijethics.com/article-1-357-en.pdf |
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| author | Michael Bailey Richard Hill Albert Brown |
| author_facet | Michael Bailey Richard Hill Albert Brown |
| author_sort | Michael Bailey |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Introduction: Computer technology and cyberspace have become an inseparable part of human life today and have affected all aspects of individual and social life. Today, the use of various psychological techniques in the design of products and services based on computer technology is being pursued seriously to gradually and unconsciously influence the behavior and mind of users, and frameworks have been developed in this direction to achieve this goal. This method of developing and designing technical artifacts based on computer technology will entail significant ethical considerations that require in-depth examination and analysis, which is addressed in the present article.
Material and Methods: The method of this research is a philosophical analysis based on the use of common theories of moral philosophy and philosophy of technology.
Conclusion: The unconscious influence on behavior using computer technology can be criticized from both the perspective of deontology and virtue-based moral perspectives. Even when the purpose of this influence is positive, the damage that is done to the user's autonomy makes these technologies morally reprehensible. In addition, the artifacts produced in this way are not value-neutral and are value-laden. Considering the inclusion of computer technology-based products and services in people's lives and the extent of the use of techniques for influencing behavior, it is necessary to take measures to combat the morally harmful effects of such artifacts. Improving the general literacy of users and also policy-making and regulation in the production of such products are suggested in this regard. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-cf533eed1f904c3abc12aaed343f42e0 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2981-1848 2676-3338 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
| publisher | Iranian Association for Ethics in Science and Technology |
| record_format | Article |
| series | International Journal of Ethics and Society |
| spelling | doaj-art-cf533eed1f904c3abc12aaed343f42e02025-01-24T09:57:47ZengIranian Association for Ethics in Science and TechnologyInternational Journal of Ethics and Society2981-18482676-33382025-01-01642128Ethical Considerations of Influencing Behavior Using Computer TechnologyMichael Bailey0Richard Hill1Albert Brown2 Department of Philosophy, College of Arts and Sciences, Syracuse University, USA Department of Philosophy, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Cincinnati, USA Department of Philosophy, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Cincinnati, USA Introduction: Computer technology and cyberspace have become an inseparable part of human life today and have affected all aspects of individual and social life. Today, the use of various psychological techniques in the design of products and services based on computer technology is being pursued seriously to gradually and unconsciously influence the behavior and mind of users, and frameworks have been developed in this direction to achieve this goal. This method of developing and designing technical artifacts based on computer technology will entail significant ethical considerations that require in-depth examination and analysis, which is addressed in the present article. Material and Methods: The method of this research is a philosophical analysis based on the use of common theories of moral philosophy and philosophy of technology. Conclusion: The unconscious influence on behavior using computer technology can be criticized from both the perspective of deontology and virtue-based moral perspectives. Even when the purpose of this influence is positive, the damage that is done to the user's autonomy makes these technologies morally reprehensible. In addition, the artifacts produced in this way are not value-neutral and are value-laden. Considering the inclusion of computer technology-based products and services in people's lives and the extent of the use of techniques for influencing behavior, it is necessary to take measures to combat the morally harmful effects of such artifacts. Improving the general literacy of users and also policy-making and regulation in the production of such products are suggested in this regard.http://ijethics.com/article-1-357-en.pdfethical considerationscomputer technologyvirtue-orienteddeontology |
| spellingShingle | Michael Bailey Richard Hill Albert Brown Ethical Considerations of Influencing Behavior Using Computer Technology International Journal of Ethics and Society ethical considerations computer technology virtue-oriented deontology |
| title | Ethical Considerations of Influencing Behavior Using Computer Technology |
| title_full | Ethical Considerations of Influencing Behavior Using Computer Technology |
| title_fullStr | Ethical Considerations of Influencing Behavior Using Computer Technology |
| title_full_unstemmed | Ethical Considerations of Influencing Behavior Using Computer Technology |
| title_short | Ethical Considerations of Influencing Behavior Using Computer Technology |
| title_sort | ethical considerations of influencing behavior using computer technology |
| topic | ethical considerations computer technology virtue-oriented deontology |
| url | http://ijethics.com/article-1-357-en.pdf |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT michaelbailey ethicalconsiderationsofinfluencingbehaviorusingcomputertechnology AT richardhill ethicalconsiderationsofinfluencingbehaviorusingcomputertechnology AT albertbrown ethicalconsiderationsofinfluencingbehaviorusingcomputertechnology |