Technology Paternalism - Wider Implications of Ubiquitous Computing

Poiesis & Praxis: International Journal of Ethics of Science and Technology Assessment, Vol. 4, 2005

14 Pages Posted: 28 Jul 2005 Last revised: 9 Aug 2015

See all articles by Sarah Spiekermann

Sarah Spiekermann

Vienna University of Economics and Business

Frank Pallas

TU Berlin - Information Systems Engineering

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Abstract

Ubiquitous Computing technologies will have a wide impact on our daily lives in the future. Currently, most debates about social implications of these technologies concentrate on different aspects of privacy and data security. However, the authors of this paper argue that there is more to consider from a social perspective: In particular, the question is raised how people can maintain control in environments that are supposed to be totally automated. Hinting at the possibility that people may be subdued to machines' autonomous actions we introduce the term "Technology Paternalism". We elaborate a working definition and illustrate the concept by looking at different examples based on current and future technology. We also dwell on the impacts of ubiquity and control of technology and suggest some approaches to assure a reasonable balance of interests such as a general "right for the last word".

Keywords: Automation, privacy, control, ubiquitous computing, ambient intelligence, pervasive computing

JEL Classification: O33, O38

Suggested Citation

Spiekermann, Sarah and Pallas, Frank, Technology Paternalism - Wider Implications of Ubiquitous Computing. Poiesis & Praxis: International Journal of Ethics of Science and Technology Assessment, Vol. 4, 2005, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=761111

Sarah Spiekermann (Contact Author)

Vienna University of Economics and Business ( email )

Welthandelsplatz 1
Vienna, Wien 1020
Austria

Frank Pallas

TU Berlin - Information Systems Engineering ( email )

Einsteinufer 17
EN 14
Berlin, DE 10587
Germany
+49 30 314 73285 (Phone)
+49 30 314 22357 (Fax)

HOME PAGE: http://www.ise.tu-berlin.de/menue/team/frank_pallas_dr-ing/

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