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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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An image of a bitten apple reflected in a mirror showing the side that wasn't eaten by Ronstik on Adobe Stock.
Featured Post

It's Not a Bug, It's a Feature: Are common GenAI harms intentional?

Code & Conscience #019 Listen to this issue on YouTube In this Issue AI does a lot of incredible things, but some of the ways it’s being used right now are hurting people, and maybe it's not accidental. In this issue, I look at how repeated generative AI harms suggest intention, why regulation hasn’t caught up, and what frameworks can help us prevent these harms going forward. Are Common GenAI Harms Intentional? By Ronstik on Adobe Stock It’s not new that technology always finds a way to harm...

5 days ago • 4 min read
An image of a compass pointing to the text "Better World" by Olivier Le Moal on Adobe stock.

Code & Conscience #018 Listen to this issue on YouTube In this Issue I’m so excited to wrap up this three-part series! As many of you know, I've been wrestling with how to build tech products that people genuinely love without accidentally setting the world on fire. That wrestling match turned into my upcoming book! This newsletter series is our third in-depth exploration of the ideas inside. And my book is an attempt to give the practical guide I wish I had: one that connects Tech Strategy...

about 1 month ago • 4 min read
An illustration of large light bulb surrounded by many connected gears of varying sizes

Code & Conscience #017 Listen to this issue on YouTube In this Issue I’m so excited to continue this three-part series! As many of you know, I've been wrestling with how to build tech products that people genuinely love without accidentally setting the world on fire. That wrestling match turned into my upcoming book! This newsletter is our second in-depth exploration of the ideas inside. And my book is an attempt to give the practical guide I wish I had: one that connects Tech Strategy (what...

about 1 month ago • 4 min read
A cartoon-like sketch of hands on laptops and different charts by CACTUS Creative Studio/Stocksy on Adobe Stock

Code & Conscience #016 Listen to this issue on YouTube In this Issue Short-term thinking in tech is creating massive "Societal Debt." This issue shows why leaving the old playbook behind for an ethical approach to tech strategy is the only way to build tech that lasts and drives durable value instead of risk. How Tech Strategy Can Help Dig Us Out of The 'Societal Debt' Trap By CACTUS Creative Studio/Stocksy on Adobe Stock I’m so excited to kick off this new three-part series! As many of you...

2 months ago • 4 min read
An image of a signpost pointing in different directions by MAY on Adobe Stock

Code & Conscience #015 Listen to this issue on YouTube In this Issue I share my honest opinion on why I believe the tech ecosystem and its leaders are experiencing a midlife crisis. Tech's Midlife Crisis By MAY on Adobe Stock Like any ambitious person, I like to set goals. Big goals that stretch me and force me to become the best version of myself. But once I achieve the goal, the excitement starts to wear off. The euphoria of success is suddenly dampened by thoughts of doubt, meltdowns, and...

3 months ago • 4 min read
An illustration of a futuristic utopian, eco-friendly metropolis

Code & Conscience #014 Listen to this issue on YouTube In this Issue Is it possible to keep developing AI without harming the environment and society? I think it is and I share how. Keep reading! All the AI, None of the Dystopia? A futuristic, eco-friendly utopia by Tyres on Adobe Stock Change is the only constant in life, but it’s hard. It requires discomfort, a shift from the norm, and a battle with resistance. At the start of the year, you probably vowed to change your sedentary lifestyle....

3 months ago • 4 min read
A shattered iPhone is held up against a blurry backdrop of a fast moving city

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...

4 months 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....

4 months 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...

5 months 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...

6 months ago • 4 min read