Humanising Technology: Reflections On Design, Ethics And Inclusion

Humanising Technology presents a compelling collection of 50 opinion editorials that delve into the multifaceted social impacts of technology. Drawing from over two decades of research and public engagement, the author offers nuanced insights into how technology intersects with human values and societal norms. Organised into five thematic sections — AI Ethics; Design and Big Data; Digital Parenting and Young People, Education and Upskilling; and Social Inclusion — each segment begins with an introduction where the author contextualises the issues, reflecting on the evolution of her thoughts about changing techy trends and their societal implications. Through these essays, she addresses critical topics such as the ethical considerations in AI deployment, the responsibilities of designers in drawing insights from big data, the challenges of digital parenting in an always-connected world, the imperative of continuous education in the digital age, and the necessity of ensuring that technology serves to include rather than exclude or exploit. The author reflects on her extensive academic journey, highlighting her commitment to translating scholarly research into actionable insights for policymakers, educators, and the general public. Her work underscores the importance of placing human needs and ethical considerations at the forefront of technological advancement. Humanising Technology is an essential read for anyone interested in understanding how we can navigate the digital age responsibly, ensuring that technological progress aligns with and enhances our shared humanity.

Sun Sun Lim is Lee Kong Chian Professor of Communication and Technology and Vice President, Partnerships & Engagement at Singapore Management University. She has extensively researched the social impact of technology, focusing on technology domestication by families, future of work and AI ethics. She has over 100 academic publications including Transcendent Parenting: Raising Children in the Digital Age (Oxford University Press, 2020) and articles in top journals like Nature and Big Data & Society. From 2018–2020, she was Nominated Member of the 13th Parliament of Singapore. She won the inaugural Top 50 Asia Women Tech Leaders Award 2024 and is Fellow of the International Communication Association and the Singapore Computer Society. She writes a monthly technology column in The Straits Times. See www.sunsunlim.com