Ethics in Social Design: Definitions, Models, and Perspectives

Authors

  • Marie Kettlie Andre Orbicom, Network of UNESCO Chairs in Communication

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15353/joci.v17i.3519

Abstract

We are witnessing a proliferation of design, collaborative technological platforms, websites, and networks dedicated to exchanging information of all kinds. These technologies have a positive role and promote social justice, equity, and the rapprochement of cultures. However, several researchers and civil community members wonder about the use of these technologies, the reasons beyond their emergence, and their designers. While technologies are at the forefront of global development, any system to function well needs a framework to support the experiences that would flow from their environment. In all human progress, some voices urge us to be cautious. Given the preponderance of technologies in our environment, what are the principles to regulate these ecosystems? Many studies have highlighted the moral and ethical issues related to the social use of information technology. There have been previous attempts towards finding ways to create suitable rules for these systems. This paper presumes that many of these conduct codes are more user-oriented, and very few are issued to regulate information technology professionals and designers. Therefore, it is urgent to find a way to design socio systems where several entities (organizations and individuals) can collaborate independently and responsibly on-site in their respective spheres on social projects. In this paper, we are trying to provide different perspectives and lines of thought for responsible and safe use of socio systems and collaborative technology platforms.

Author Biography

Marie Kettlie Andre, Orbicom, Network of UNESCO Chairs in Communication

Marie Kettlie Andre is a Scientific Researcher at ORBICOM, the Network of Unesco Chair in Communications. She received the M A. degree in Communication Studies and the Ph.D. degree in Communication Studies in 2011 from the University of Quebec in Montreal (UQAM), Quebec, Canada. Her doctoral dissertation features the theoretical insights of both James Carey and Lee Thayer. It is a work in De Tocqueville's spirit, one that studies how language shaped American foreign politics and the international scene in general. Her research interests focused on understanding human communications, social usages of ICT's and ethical issues, communication foundations of sociotechnical designs, and professional communication, focusing on cultural diversity. She has been a Research Associate at ORBICOM since 2012.

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Published

2021-12-01

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Notes from the field