Tech addiction: why it matters
The idea of addiction to new technology often leads to polarized debates. In this post I bring attention to both perspectives and ask the question: does it matter how many people are being hurt?
Digital Ethics
I speak and teach on the topic of digital ethics, and help my clients realise the value of good-hearted tech in all endeavors. I apply a human rights perspective to the field of human-computer interaction, showing how it's possible to build tech that promotes wellbeing, or resist when it doesn't.
94 posts
Digital Compassion: A Human Act
The date was September 26, 1983. I was nine years old. Stanislav Petrov was 44 years old. Around my age today. He was working his
Lack of representation in AI puts vulnerable people at risk
In April of 2019 the AI Now Institute [https://ainowinstitute.org/] of New York University published the research paper DISCRIMINATING SYSTEMS — Gender, Race, and Power
Managing persuasive defaults in design
As part of the feedback and reactions to my recent post on the Dangers of Nir Eyal’s books [https://axbom.com/nir-eyal-habit-danger/], I received
How Nir Eyal’s habit books are dangerous
Hired as a speaker throughout Silicon Valley and the international tech world, Nir Eyal’s appeal and influence cannot be ignored. He wrote the book
Messages in WhatsApp are stopping immigrants
Information stored on phones is increasingly used in court cases and to determine the trustworthiness and honesty of people seeking to enter another country. So
First, design no harm (why oaths matter)
At the Adobe 99U conference there was an on-stage conversation between author Courtney E. Martin and Tim Brown [https://99u.adobe.com/videos/63722/tim-brown-engage-with-the-unknown]
Mostly Harmless
Slides and workbook for EuroIA 18 workshop
Introducing the Inclusive Panda
As part of my work on practical methods for integrating ethics thinking into your design process I am producing a set of templates and worksheets.
AMP Letter
The gateways to online content must not abuse their power.
Confirmshaming - the art of insulting your target group
Many of us have come to despise them: the intrusive, unsolicited subscription forms promising you the holy grail of insights and knowledge. But the imaginative
What social platforms could do to fight online harassment
When I claim that online harassment happens by design I am often met with raised eyebrows. I am not saying that it’s the intent
Mailchimp backtracks on all their recommendations, enforcing single opt-in
Like millions of others I have used Mailchimp for many years to send out e-mail updates to subscribers. Their freemium business model and quirky monkey
The Hidden Persuaders of the Digital Age
Thank you to everyone who attended my talk on the topic of ethics in design at EuroIA. I am hugely thankful for the opportunity. I
Is GPS data in your photo good or bad?
I love data and I love the Internet. Because I love people. So much good stuff happens as we have access to more knowledge and