Inclusive technology for a better world
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“Even the most powerful innovations are merely tools we can choose to use wisely or craft into amplifiers of human folly.”

—Paul Saffo
Illustration by Lynn Fisher

Is technology making the world a better place?

In the last dispatch we’ve acknowledged the effect technology has on our lives but also wondered how to effectively disconnect from it. Today we’re taking a spin on another main theme of &yetConf—the impact the software we write can have on creating a better future for all of us.

Every single day we see more product launches; unfortunately most of them cater to the privileged and wealthy, amplifying the class difference, rather than bridging the gaps and working towards equal opportunity. While we can deliver meals, pre-made cocktails and coffee almost instantly to our doorstep at any time of the day, have others run our errands or pay for a twenty minute nap in the center of San Francisco, we still haven’t tackled the problems of world hunger, lack of drinkable water or curing diseases amongst others.

We’ve grown used to boasting about our programming skills and achievements. We’ve stayed blind to our own biases and privilege, thinking that the apps we create are indeed making the world a better place. The question remains—is that the case? And if yes, do they positively influence everyone?

Is Silicon Valley saving the world or just making money?

by Various Authors

NYT asks a group of diverse debaters an important question—“Is technological innovation creating a better world, or just making lots of money for a few people?” All of respondents amplify the importance of the human factor in steering us towards a brighter future.

The web we have to save

by Hossein Derakhshan

“In the past, the web was powerful and serious enough to land me in jail. Today it feels like little more than entertainment”, says Hossein, as he calls for a more influential Web, rather than a platform for vanity numbers of false popularity.

A lot happens

by Jesse Noller

A personal angle on how passionate dedication for the tech community and engineering has a significant impact on relationships and our well being. Jesse highlights how maintaining our online presence and contributions can easily have catastrophic consequences on our offline lives.

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What we’re working on


&you?

Do you feel like you’re changing the world with design or software engineering? Let us know and we might share it in a future dispatch (just reply to this email).

<3, your friendly neighborhood &yetis