The title "How to Make Tech Products (that Don't Cause Depression and War)" immediately captures the attention of readers, as it addresses a growing concern in today's society. The article delves into the idea of turning tech products into group games, highlighting the difficulties of being honest on social media platforms like Instagram. The author emphasizes the need for tech designers to base their decisions on user behavior, shaping their products around individual and immediate preferences rather than considering long-term and social effects.

Seeking pearls of wisdom

Hatched by Seeking pearls of wisdom

Nov 16, 2023

3 min read

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The title "How to Make Tech Products (that Don't Cause Depression and War)" immediately captures the attention of readers, as it addresses a growing concern in today's society. The article delves into the idea of turning tech products into group games, highlighting the difficulties of being honest on social media platforms like Instagram. The author emphasizes the need for tech designers to base their decisions on user behavior, shaping their products around individual and immediate preferences rather than considering long-term and social effects.

The negative social impact of individually-optimized experiences is discussed, with examples such as clickbait, internet outrage, and the rise in teen depression. These problems, the author argues, emerge over time and are a result of using platforms that are not designed in alignment with our values. The article suggests that by designing and testing software according to our values, we can uncover and address issues that may not be apparent with just one test user.

The second part of the article shifts focus to the importance of people in the tech industry. It mentions seminal research and workshops that explore the relationship between people and money, as well as the more recent connection between people and identity in entrepreneurship. This highlights the significance of understanding human behavior and emotions when creating tech products.

By combining these two aspects - the impact of tech on individuals and the importance of understanding people - the article suggests a holistic approach to designing tech products that considers both the social and human aspects. It proposes that by incorporating values, considering long-term effects, and understanding the needs and behaviors of users, tech products can be created that do not contribute to negative social consequences like depression and war.

To conclude, here are three actionable pieces of advice for tech designers:

  1. Prioritize values: When designing tech products, consider the values you want to promote and align your design decisions with those values. This will help ensure that your product has a positive impact on users' lives and society as a whole.

  2. Think long-term: While immediate engagement and satisfaction may be important, it is crucial to also consider the long-term effects of your product. Avoid designing for short-term gains at the expense of long-term well-being.

  3. Understand your users: Take the time to research and understand the behaviors, needs, and emotions of your target users. This will enable you to create products that truly meet their needs and enhance their lives, rather than contributing to negative social consequences.

In conclusion, the article highlights the need for tech products that do not cause depression and war. By focusing on values, considering long-term effects, and understanding users, tech designers can create products that have a positive impact on both individuals and society. The responsibility lies with tech designers to prioritize the well-being of users and to create products that align with our values and promote positive social interactions.

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