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

Introduction: Digital technological advancements have ushered in emerging innovations that offer numerous benefits to society. However, these disruptive technologies also present significant ethical, social, and regulatory challenges. Public opinion on responsible technology is critical to aligning progress with societal needs and reducing risks/disparities.
Objectives/Methods: This study, conducted as part of a Media Digital Observatory, aimed to gather public opinion online about "Responsible Technology (RT)" to:
-Identify critical themes/topics related to RT in public discourse;
-Analyze public sentiment towards various aspects of technological advancements and their impacts;
-Explore potential gaps between public perception and expert opinions;
-Provide insights for policymakers and technology developers to guide future decision-making and innovation processes.
The researchers monitored using the term "responsible technology" on digital platforms for one month (September to October, 2024). This study followed two phases:
-Monitoring the "responsible technology" term using the Brand24 social listening tool;
-Performing a qualitative analysis of the results using WebQda software.
Results: The study identified 338 posts dedicated to RT on digital platforms dedicated to RT. The findings highlight significant public concern around ethical AI practices, responsible technological innovation, cybersecurity, privacy, and environmental sustainability. Critical discussions about potential negative technology impacts, such as digital dependency and misinformation, indicate a healthy debate within the tech community. The analysis emphasizes the need for a humane approach to responsible technological development.
Conclusions: Public discourse reveals a growing awareness of emerging technologies' potential benefits and risks. Promoting responsible technology requires interdisciplinary collaboration, inclusive frameworks, and continuous stakeholder engagement. Our findings underscore the need for transparent and ethical AI practices to build public trust, address digital inequality, balance innovation with robust cybersecurity and privacy measures, and incorporate environmental sustainability into technological advancements.
These insights can guide policymakers, tech companies, and researchers in developing responsible technology frameworks that align with societal values and expectations.