ethical and societal impacts
This page is mainly about 3.16_ethical_and_societal_impacts
Module introduction
Have you ever stopped to think about the hidden story behind your screen? We use technology every day, but how often do we question its real impact on people, the planet, and our society? This module is your chance to look behind the curtain. We'll move beyond being just users of technology and become critical thinkers and responsible digital citizens. This journey will take you from understanding the personal challenges of the digital world to evaluating the global impact of our devices. By the end of this module, you will have the power to ask important questions and make informed judgements about the technology that shapes our lives.
Why does this module matter?
Technology isn't just about code and circuits; it's about people. The skills and knowledge in this module are vital because every digital choice we make has a real-world consequence. Understanding these impacts helps you become a safer, more responsible, and more employable digital citizen, ready to shape a better future for everyone.
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For you
This module will help you develop several key computing personas:
The Responsible Innovator: This persona is all about asking "Should we build this?". This module directly addresses that question by encouraging you to think critically about the ethical and societal consequences of technology, from fairness and access to legal boundaries.
The Sustainable Technologist: You'll investigate the full lifecycle of your devices, from how they are made to the growing problem of e-waste. This directly aligns with the Sustainable Technologist's focus on Green Computing and minimising the environmental footprint of our digital lives.
The Healthy Technologist: This module explores the direct impact of technology on our wellbeing. You will learn about ergonomics, the risks of issues like Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI), and strategies for maintaining a healthy balance between your online and offline activities.
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For your future
The skills you learn in this module are the starting point for many exciting and in-demand careers. One of the most direct pathways is to become a Digital Policy Advisor.
Career focus: A Digital Policy Advisor works with governments, companies, or non-profit organisations to help create the rules and laws that govern the digital world. They research complex issues like data privacy, online safety, and the ethics of AI to ensure technology is developed and used in a way that is fair, safe, and beneficial to society.
Key Skills: This module will develop your critical thinking and ethical reasoning. You'll learn about key legislation like the Data Protection Act and Computer Misuse Act, which are foundational for this career. The ability to analyse complex problems and communicate them clearly is also essential.
Interesting facts: The field of digital policy is constantly changing as new technologies emerge, making it a very dynamic career. Digital Policy Advisors often work on an international scale, as the internet has no borders. Their work can directly impact the daily digital lives of millions of people.
Our Learning Journey
Our journey begins by exploring the human side of technology, looking at the "digital divide" and who gets left behind. We'll then investigate the physical impact of our digital habits, from our own health and wellbeing to the planet's health and the challenge of e-waste. Finally, we will dive into the rules that govern our digital society, getting to grips with crucial laws like the Computer Misuse Act and the Data Protection Act, and holding a debate to bring all our critical thinking skills together.
Last modified: July 21st, 2025
