“The computer said it was OK!”: human rights (and other) implications of manipulative design (Part 2/2)

31 March 2022 Silvia-De-Conca Digital Technologies

“The computer said it was OK!”: human rights (and other) implications of manipulative design

 

By Dr. Silvia De Conca

 

 
Credit: Silva de Conca

 

This is Part 2 of a two-part series.

On November 19th, 2021, the “Human Rights in the Digital Age” working group of the NNHRR held a multidisciplinary workshop on the legal implications of ‘online manipulation’. This is Part 2 of a two-part series.

Manipulative design, autonomy, and human rights.

By turning individuals into means to an end, manipulative design infringes on their dignity, because it affects their intrinsic value as human beings. Manipulative design is a constraint to individual autonomy, whether it is used for ‘paternalistic’ policymaking or by companies for profit. More...

“The computer said it was OK!”: human rights (and other) implications of manipulative design (Part 1/2)

23 March 2022 Silvia-De-Conca Digital Technologies

“The computer said it was OK!”: human rights (and other) implications of manipulative design

By Dr. Silvia De Conca
Credit: Silvia de Conca

This is Part 1 of a two-part series.

On November 19th, 2021, the “Human Rights in the Digital Age” working group of the NNHRR held a multidisciplinary workshop on the legal implications of ‘online manipulation’. The term ‘online manipulation’ indicates online services designed to manipulate individuals into clicking, buying, or sharing more (hereinafter also manipulative design). More...

Doctoral Research Forum Blog Series: Introduction

07 April 2021 Stephanie-Triefus

Doctoral Research Forum Blog Series: Introduction

by Stephanie Triefus

Source: Shutterstock
In February 2021, eighteen PhD researchers based around the Netherlands gathered online to share their research. Despite the inevitable ‘Zoom fatigue’ faced by all after nearly 12 months of pandemic living, these diligent researchers dedicated a colossal two full days of screen time to supporting their colleagues, listening intently to one another’s presentations and asking insightful questions. They were joined by several senior members of the Network, who provided their wise reflections on the topics discussed while gently and genially pushing the participants onwards in their research journeys. Participants reported that the Forum provided ‘useful feedback, a safe environment and inspiration’ in an otherwise isolating time. This blog series details the research of some of these participants, and covers a wide range of current topics related to human rights.