Why Tech for Good matters (or why I don't read the Daily Mail).

Technology has the ability to be a positive agent of change, with a scalability and agility many charities and the government would long for. Unfortunately scaring people makes ‘better’ news. However I've met countless entrepreneurs who are enthusing about ‘Tech for Good’, and they need to be heard.

If you think the Daily Mail is a good news site, I’d suggest this blog is not for you. I’m going to be very honest with you; the Mail makes my blood boil. As a liberal remoaner we don’t get on. Recently I’ve become surprised by the amount of negative news stories about technology on the channels I do use.

I am aware that technology is not always good news. It has a nasty habit of leaving those most vulnerable behind. Living in London, working in the technology sector, it is easy to forget that not everyone has affordable and reliable access to online services. Without doubt you can be left behind by technology, especially when 3% of all 15-24 year olds lack basic digital skills. That's 300,000 people. Just consider how many application forms for work and key services are now housed online. I also accept that too much access to social media and screen time is affecting children and teenagers in ways we don’t fully understand.

But don’t imagine technology is a bad thing. Far from it, and I’ve been lucky to interview many leaders helping tech make a very positive impact. Azoomee offer a safe space for children to understand how to act online, #techmums and Mums in Technology both help mothers (at varying stages of life) have the confidence to pursue career opportunities, Nominet Trust support innovative business and help individuals locked out of opportunity by technology, Parcelly are looking at using automation and machine learning to make courier services greener, BBOXX work in providing sustainable green power to communities that are off the grid in sub-saharan Africa and HowNow are democratising education. These examples prove you can return profits and do social good.

Unfortunately poverty it’s widening the gap between the digital haves and have nots. That is a challenge I fear will shape politics long beyond Brexit. However something we can do is give people confidence to use technology and have a proper debate about keeping tech good. That brings me to the Daily Mail. Knowing how I was unnerved by channels I like, I went and took a look at what outlets I don’t like had to say. Here are some example headlines;

“... out-of-control space station containing a ‘highly toxic chemical is set to crash into Earth…”

“Warnings over WhatsApp as security experts discover ‘one of the most powerful spyware tools’ ever made for Android”

“Major security flaw in virtual porn app SinVR exposes the perverted secrets of 20,000 users”

“Amazon’s creepy plan to put a camera and microphone in every BEDROOM…”

There was more; warning you about the dangers of cryptocurrency, how Google is storing a database of all our faces, and my favourite,

“How your car is SPYING on you…”

If you don’t understand technology this might appear alarming, if you do it seems hysterical. But fear is a tool news organisations and politicians have used to silently coerce people into doing what they want for a long time. It is much easier to get a member of the public on your side of the argument if you tell them you can keep them safe. I have limited technical knowledge but have been alarmed by the way in which politicians have spoken about technology in recent years, and by their lack of understanding. Talks of backdoors in encrypted messaging platforms can seem reasonable, but if a backdoor exists you can bet it can be hacked by individuals you'd be less certain have your best interests at heart. Media risks stifling proper debate and not allowing the issues to be properly considered.

With this in mind Tech for Good is a hugely significant movement. I believe creating a widespread culture of fear does far more harm to society than any of the technology discussed in the Mail on the 16th of January. We need to turn up the voices spreading good news. Helping people understand that technology isn’t scary and that they can safely encourage their children to explore STEM education and careers would help ensure less people are left behind and that we are a more prosperous, confident society. That’s why in 2018 I’m going to seek out more people like Dr Sue Black, Douglas Lloyd, June Angelides and Vicki Hearn and try and share their stories and messages.