Digital technological advancements have brought forth innovations that benefit society. However, these disruptive technologies also present significant ethical, social, and regulatory challenges. Public opinion on responsible technology (RT) is crucial for aligning progress with societal needs and reducing risks. This study, conducted as part of a Media Digital Observatory, gathered public opinion online about “Responsible Technology” (RT) to (1) identify critical themes related to RT in public discourse, (2) analyse public sentiment toward technological advancements and their impacts, (3) explore gaps between public perception and expert opinions, and (4) provide insights for policymakers and technology developers to guide future decision-making. The researchers monitored the term “responsible technology” on digital platforms during September 2024. The study included monitoring the term using the Brand24 social listening tool and analysing the results qualitatively using WebQDA software. The analysis identified 338 posts about RT on digital platforms. The findings revealed significant public concern about ethical Artificial Intelligence (AI) practices, responsible innovation, cybersecurity, privacy, and environmental sustainability. Discussions about potential negative impacts—such as digital dependency and misinformation—indicated a healthy debate within the tech community. Public discourse showed growing awareness of emerging technologies’ benefits and risks. Promoting RT requires interdisciplinary collaboration, inclusive frameworks, and continuous stakeholder engagement. Our findings emphasize the need for transparent and ethical AI practices to build public trust, address digital inequality, balance innovation with robust security measures, and incorporate environmental sustainability. These insights can guide policymakers, tech companies, and researchers in developing RT frameworks that align with societal values and expectations.

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Responsible Technology: Analysing Public Perception About Ethical Challenges in Digital Innovation

  • Oksana Tymoshchuk,
  • Lídia Oliveira,
  • Nelson Zagalo,
  • José Nunes

摘要

Digital technological advancements have brought forth innovations that benefit society. However, these disruptive technologies also present significant ethical, social, and regulatory challenges. Public opinion on responsible technology (RT) is crucial for aligning progress with societal needs and reducing risks. This study, conducted as part of a Media Digital Observatory, gathered public opinion online about “Responsible Technology” (RT) to (1) identify critical themes related to RT in public discourse, (2) analyse public sentiment toward technological advancements and their impacts, (3) explore gaps between public perception and expert opinions, and (4) provide insights for policymakers and technology developers to guide future decision-making. The researchers monitored the term “responsible technology” on digital platforms during September 2024. The study included monitoring the term using the Brand24 social listening tool and analysing the results qualitatively using WebQDA software. The analysis identified 338 posts about RT on digital platforms. The findings revealed significant public concern about ethical Artificial Intelligence (AI) practices, responsible innovation, cybersecurity, privacy, and environmental sustainability. Discussions about potential negative impacts—such as digital dependency and misinformation—indicated a healthy debate within the tech community. Public discourse showed growing awareness of emerging technologies’ benefits and risks. Promoting RT requires interdisciplinary collaboration, inclusive frameworks, and continuous stakeholder engagement. Our findings emphasize the need for transparent and ethical AI practices to build public trust, address digital inequality, balance innovation with robust security measures, and incorporate environmental sustainability. These insights can guide policymakers, tech companies, and researchers in developing RT frameworks that align with societal values and expectations.