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Code & Conscience

by Erica Stanley

This is my way of thinking out loud with friends (that’s you, btw) about how we as technologists–builders, creators, leaders–impact the world around us with what we choose to build and how we build it.

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A shattered iPhone is held up against a blurry backdrop of a fast moving city
Featured Post

Move Fast and Break...Society?

Code & Conscience #013 Listen to this issue on YouTube In this Issue Tech moves very fast, especially with AI running the show! But should we trade speed for caution? Is the "Move fast and break things" philosophy still relevant? Or should we reflect on it? Move Fast and Break...Society? Credit: Xinfang on Adobe Stock "Move fast and break things". We've all heard this tech philosophy that prioritizes rapid development and deployment over cautious, deliberate innovation. The idea was to get a...

5 days ago • 3 min read
Star Wars Storm Troopers preparing for battle

Code & Conscience #012 Listen to this issue on YouTube In this Issue I discuss the scary advent of Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems (LAWS), basically self driving weapons and how tech companies are "supporting" war. Unpacking Tech's Role in Modern Warfare Credit: Pexels War is never fun. It’s difficult, gut-wrenching, and life-threatening. It’s sad to see the number of wars currently happening in the world. But as a tech leader, it’s even sadder to see the role tech is playing in this chaos....

25 days ago • 3 min read
Digital healthcare and network connection interface, Global health care

Code & Conscience #011 Listen to this issue on YouTube In this Issue I discuss the interrelationship between technology and health. Why it's raising eyebrows, its advantages, ethical dilemmas, and how tech leaders/engineers need a better approach to ethics. The Role of Technology in Public Health Credit: Adobe Stock Image by Ipopba 2020 was one of the weirdest years of my life, but to be honest, I feel it was a weird year for all of us. Besides sitting in our houses or hustling for toilet...

about 1 month ago • 4 min read
An abstract image of security cameras in front of the U. S. Capitol building on a backdrop of red and blue watercolor blobs.

Code & Conscience #010 Listen to this issue on YouTube In this Issue I discuss the latest trends in AI and surveillance, what this means for your privacy, safety, and freedom. I also have some good news to share, so keep reading! You're Being Followed! Credit: Pexels It's a cool Wednesday evening. You're driving home from your office, as usual, except something is strikingly different this time. A black sedan has been tailing you for a while now. You've made four turns (a circle) to confirm...

3 months ago • 4 min read
Two placards. One saying "There's No Planet B" and the other "Stop Climate Change"

Code & Conscience #009 Listen to this issue on YouTube In this Issue Tech keeps promising miracles, but the hidden climate costs are landing on communities who can least afford them. The stakes are high, and the time to act is now. Credit: Adobe Tech & Climate When I first started working in tech over 25 years ago, I was swept up in all the big promises—faster solutions, smarter tools, and almost miraculous breakthroughs. What I gradually learned was that every leap forward comes at a cost....

3 months ago • 5 min read

Code & Conscience #008 Listen to this issue on YouTube In this Issue I discuss how Digital Blackface is now the latest trend in racism, not just some online cringe. I also list ways to push back against technology that profits off Black culture, without centering Black people. Digital Blackface You've probably noticed a new wave of AI generated videos in the past few weeks. Videos with characters mimicking Black mannerisms and colloquialisms. Oh! I've had a very hard time convincing older...

4 months ago • 3 min read
A bronze statue of lady justice with a blindfold, scales and a sword.

Erica Stanley Engineering Leader, Community Builder, Speaker, Contributor Code & Conscience #007 Listen to this issue on YouTube Code & Conscience is my way of thinking out loud with friends (that’s you, btw) about how we as technologists–builders, creators, and leaders–impact the world around us with what we choose to build and how we build it. In this Issue 👩🏾💻 Tech is not Neutral We'll address how platforms, algorithms, and AI are actively shaping political narratives, amplifying some...

4 months ago • 5 min read
An African Woman with curly hair smiling while hugging a white humanoi

Erica Stanley Engineering Leader, Community Builder, Speaker, Contributor Code & Conscience #006 Listen to this issue on YouTube Code & Conscience is my way of thinking out loud with friends (that’s you, btw) about how we as technologists–builders, creators, and leaders–impact the world around us with what we choose to build and how we build it. In this Issue 👩🏾💻 AI is NOT one of your little friends A handful of tech leaders want AI to replace human connection, but should we let it? In this...

5 months ago • 4 min read
Illustration of photorealistic human hands in grayscale holding a stylized collection of diverse people in heart shape on a yellow background

Erica Stanley Engineering Leader, Community Builder, Speaker, Contributor Code & Conscience #005 Listen to this issue on YouTube Code & Conscience is my way of thinking out loud with friends (that’s you, btw) about how we as technologists–builders, creators, leaders–impact the world around us with what we choose to build and how we build it. In this Issue 👩🏾💻 Community as a Superpower How community and networking is the secret recipe to thriving, growing and getting opportunities. 💡 Building...

6 months ago • 4 min read
Image: Abstract arrow moving in the right-hand direction. Credit: iStock

Erica Stanley Engineering Leader, Community Builder, Speaker, Contributor Code & Conscience #004 Listen to this issue on YouTube Code & Conscience is my way of thinking out loud with friends (that’s you, btw) about how we as technologists–builders, creators, leaders–impact the world around us with what we choose to build and how we build it. In this Issue 👩🏾💻 Tech Leadership with Intention in a New Era The role of CTOs is evolving beyond just tech strategy. It’s about making decisions that...

6 months ago • 3 min read