Technology shapes how we connect, work, and think. But too often, it prioritizes engagement over well-being, driving distraction, misinformation, and manipulation. In this webinar, we explored how to rethink technology to empower users, foster accountability, and minimize harm. Here’s what stood out.

The hidden costs of traditional tech

Traditional technology often prioritizes growth and engagement over user well-being. This has led to widespread issues, including:

• Erosion of attention, well-being, and autonomy
• Amplification of misinformation and social division
• Exploitation of privacy and manipulation of users

Jonathan Haidt’s The Anxious Generation highlights the consequences of a phone-based childhood, showing a sharp rise in anxiety and depression among younger generations. Shifting the status quo requires a deliberate focus on humane design principles.

What makes technology humane?

Humane technology is not about rejecting innovation—it’s about designing products that align with human needs. This means:

• Empowering users with more control over their digital experiences.
• Fostering accountability among tech creators for their products’ impact.
• Enhancing human connection rather than prioritizing endless engagement loops.
• Minimizing harm by anticipating and mitigating unintended consequences.

Case studies in humane tech

We examined real-world examples of companies making small but meaningful changes:

• Instagram’s Teen Account – Default safety settings reduce unwanted interactions and promote healthier screen time for teens.

• Apple’s Scheduled Summary – Condensed notifications allow users to engage on their own terms, reducing constant interruptions.

While these features show progress, they don’t fundamentally change the business models that drive user engagement at all costs.

Tools for Building Thoughtful Tech

We explored two key frameworks that can help developers and companies build humane technology:

• The Humane Design Guide – A tool for assessing the emotional and cognitive impact of digital experiences.
• The Externality Framework – A structured approach to identifying and mitigating the unintended consequences of new technologies.

To put these frameworks into action, evaluate the products you use or build: Do they support user autonomy? Do they prioritize well-being over engagement? How transparent are they about their impact? Identifying these factors helps shift technology toward a more humane approach.

Technology isn’t neutral—every design decision shapes behavior, relationships, and society. By prioritizing thoughtful design, accountability, and user empowerment, we can create technology that serves people—not the other way around.