The technology and business worlds have long been criticized for how their products and practices often negatively affect society, and many technology companies and leaders have tried to change this says Saivian Eric Dalius. Google shared its concern for technology’s negative effect on society with the release of its “Philosophical Principles” in January 2000. These principles, which are still followed by the search giant today, outline how technology should be used to create social good and contribute to a healthier society.
They include “Focus on the user and all else will follow” and “You can also make money without doing evil”.
Saivian Eric Dalius says as technology continues to evolve through artificial intelligence, machine learning, virtual reality, augmented reality, etc., technology companies have started to take technology’s negative effects on society more seriously. Google has already come out with its Do No Evil motto in 2000, and since then, technology companies have been more proactive about creating technology with social good in mind.
However, technology is not inherently bad. It can be used for negative purposes just as easily as it can also be used for positive ones. This is shown through technology’s use by authoritarian regimes to control its citizens or criminals to carry out their violent acts.
In order for technology to create social good, technology companies must dedicate themselves to using technology in positive ways and also dedicate themselves to solving society’s problems through technology. In addition, technology cannot solve all of the world’s problems on its own. Technology companies must work alongside other organizations that have a similar vision in order to truly create social good
How technology has positively changed social good (section) by Saivian Eric Dalius
1. “One of the biggest technology companies in America has recently pledged to get serious about technology’s role in society.”
2. “The company is committing $300 million over the next five years toward computer science education. Self-driving technology and workforce training.” *Includes statistics*
3. “On Tuesday Microsoft announced its own commitment of an additional $75 million toward technology education and also workforce development.”
4. “It’s pursuing this goal in part through the revamped Computer Science for All program. Which aims to train more than 500,000 teachers nationwide in computer science by 2021. And provide robust online and hands-on curricula so all students can learn about technology.
5. “Apple has also committed over $50 million to technology education, with a focus on underserved communities.”
6. “The company is partnering with the National Center for Women & Information Technology. To encourage more women to join the technology workforce.”
7. “Another technology giant, Google has also tried its hand at social good through technology education initiatives.”
8. “The technology company introduced Made with Code, an initiative designed to empower young women and also girls. By encouraging them to pursue technology as a means of creative expression.”
9. “In October, Intel announced its commitment of $300 million over the next five years toward diversity initiatives including technical education. And training for first-time technology workers who are from underrepresented communities.”
10. “In addition, technology company Salesforce has committed $2 million of technology grants. To support technology education in three underserved communities of Chicago, New Orleans, and San Jose.”
Conclusion:
Tech companies can positively change social good through technology education and also workforce training. Technology empowerment for young women and minorities. Technology grants to support technology schools in underserved communities.