Ep. 24 | Software Engineering Ethics and Social Media

Summary

In this episode of the Overcommitted Podcast, Brittany, Erika, and Jonathan delve into the complex relationship between software engineering, social media, and ethics. They explore their personal experiences with social media, the evolution of algorithms, and the monetization strategies that have transformed platforms into profit-driven entities. The conversation highlights the societal impacts of social media, particularly on mental health, and discusses the responsibilities of engineers in creating user-centered designs. They also consider potential regulatory measures, such as profit caps, and the need for a code of ethics in software engineering to mitigate harm.

Takeaways

• The promise of social media was to increase social connection.
• Algorithms have shifted from social interaction to maximizing engagement.
• Monetization strategies have created a creator economy.
• Social media platforms often prioritize profit over user well-being.
• The societal impact of social media is profound and concerning.
• Engineers have a responsibility to consider the human impact of their work.
• Regulation may be necessary to address the harms of social media.
• Profit caps could help redirect funds towards community projects.
• An information diet can help mitigate negative effects of social media.
• A code of ethics for software engineers could guide responsible development.

Links

• Video: Why everyone is quitting social media

• Careless People

• Interview on information diet with Herari

• Bill in 1996

• ACM Code of Ethics

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tech book club Repo⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠Overcommitted Discord⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Hosts

• ⁠Overcommitted.dev⁠⁠

• ⁠Brittany Ellich⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠Eggyhead⁠⁠
• Jonathan Tamsut