Group member

Arano, Carlos Miguel

Estrope, Cristha
Lacbao, Bea
Luna, Ypriel Jane
Quirim, Heart Micah
3BSE-E

March 12, 2024

Ethical Dilemma: Robot Abuse

1. What is the emerging ethical dilemma all about?
Bullying and violence between humans and robots is referred to as "robot
abuse." It typically happens as follows: first, a human punches, kicks, or engages
in other aggressive behavior directed at a robot, which is referred to as physical
abuse. Second, despite the fact that robots are not supposed to be sentient,
calling them names and using other disparaging language which is commonly
known as verbal abuse. Last but not least, another type of robot is one that gets
harmed and ceases to function when someone subverts them while they are
operating as planned.

2. What factors or events led to the introduction of this dilemma?

The introduction of the robot abuse dilemma can be attributed to several factors
and events in the development and integration of robotics and artificial
intelligence into various aspects of society. Some key factors include:
 Increased use of robots in various industries
 Humanization of robots
 Lack of clear guidelines and regulations
 Ethical considerations in human-robot interactions
As robotics and AI continue to evolve, it is essential to address these ethical
dilemmas and establish guidelines to ensure the responsible and ethical
treatment of robots in various contexts.
3. What are the social, political, economic, or cultural implications of this dilemma?
Social Implications:
Witnessing or being aware of robot abuse may desensitize individuals to
violence, potentially impacting their behavior towards humans.
Political Implications:
Governments may need to establish laws and regulations to protect robots
from abuse, similar to animal welfare laws.
Economic Implications:
Industries employing robots may face reputational damage or boycotts if
they are perceived involved in or cause negligent towards robot abuse.
 Cultural Implications:
Cultural attitudes towards technology and its role in society may shift, as
people are affected with the implications of mistreating artificial beings

4. Why is it important to question the moral and ethical issues surrounding

your assigned science and technology innovation?
Questioning the ethical issues surrounding robot abuse is crucial for multiple
reasons, including reflecting on human behavior, setting ethical precedents for
future interactions with AI, avoiding desensitization to violence, contemplating AI
rights, encouraging ethical design in development, and understanding the social
and cultural impacts of integrating robots into society. It prompts critical thinking
about our responsibilities and the potential consequences of our actions on non-
sentient beings, influencing how we might interact with future sentient AI and
ensuring technology enhances the human experience in ethical and
compassionate ways.

5. In the face of this dilemma, why is it important to study STS?

Studying STS is crucial in addressing the robot abuse dilemma because it

provides a holistic perspective on the social, ethical, and political implications of
technology. It allows us to understand the human-robot interaction, how people
perceive and treat robots, and the potential consequences of such behavior. By
examining these issues through the lens of STS, we can develop guidelines and
policies that promote responsible and ethical use of robots. It also helps us
anticipate future challenges and devise strategies to mitigate them, ensuring that
the advancement of robotics technology is beneficial and respectful to all
stakeholders.

Ethical Dilemma: Doomscrolling

1. What is the emerging ethical dilemma all about?

Doomscrolling refers to the habit of endlessly scrolling through negative news or

social media feeds, often leading to increased anxiety, stress, and a sense of
hopelessness. It usually happens when you're surrounded by bad news, you may
find yourself reading every little detail about it.

2. What factors or events led to the introduction of this dilemma?

Doomscrolling or the excessive consumption of negative news on social media,

can be attributed to several factors and events. Firstly, the rise of social media
platforms and their constant accessibility through smartphones has made it
easier for people to stay connected and informed. However, the algorithms used
by these platforms often prioritize sensational and emotionally charged content,
which tends to be negative. This, coupled with the human tendency to be
attracted to negative information for survival reasons, can lead to a cycle of
doomscrolling. Additionally, significant events such as natural disasters, political
unrest, and the COVID-19 pandemic have generated a constant stream of
distressing news, fueling the urge to stay updated and contributing to the
prevalence of doomscrolling.

3. What are the social, political, economic, or cultural implications of this

dilemma?

Doomscrolling, the habit of constantly consuming negative news online, has

broad implications for society, affecting mental health, leading to isolation and
social polarization. Politically, it can skew public opinion, deepen polarization,
and cause disengagement from issues. Economically, it impacts productivity,
influences media consumption patterns, and can alter consumer behavior.
Culturally, it fosters pessimism, normalizes crises, and may shift societal values
towards risk aversion, potentially inhibiting innovation. Addressing these effects
necessitates a comprehensive strategy, including improving media literacy,
promoting digital wellness, and fostering balanced media consumption.

4. Why is it important to question the moral and ethical issues surrounding

your assigned science and technology innovation?

We need to question the moral and ethical issues surrounding doomscrolling

help us somewhat balance our usage of social media to not compromise the time
that is intended for most important things.

5. In the face of this dilemma, why is it important to study STS?

In the face of the doomscrolling dilemma, it is important to study Science,
Technology, and Society (STS) for several reasons.

 By studying STS, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of how

technology shapes our lives and society, as well as the potential
consequences of our reliance on digital devices and online platforms.
 STS also encourages individuals to consider the broader societal
implications of technological developments, such as issues related to
privacy, surveillance, misinformation, and algorithmic bias.
 In essence, studying STS provides individuals with the tools to navigate the
complexities of our technologically driven world, critically analyze the effects
of technology on society and individuals, and make informed decisions
about their digital consumption habits, including how to address the
doomscrolling dilemma.