Gadget
lovers across the world have been met with some interesting – and potentially
shocking – headlines lately; increasing the focus on this thriving industry.
To start
with, Facebook has been publicly criticised for what The Guardian has reported as a ‘breach of ethical
guidelines’ after they
admitted they had undertaken an investigation into the effect social media
posts can have on our moods – manipulating the news feeds of more than 700,000
users to see if and how it affected them.
In a similar
story, British Airways has been the highlight of a
post on The Drum when discussing the testing of the brand’s
latest gadget: a ‘happiness blanket’. This uses neuro-sensors to measure
brainwaves and can determine when passengers feel happiest; thus allowing the
airline to target their services (such as in-flight entertainment and meals)
more effectively.
Although
both of these stories reflect on the huge progress made in the tech industry
over recent years, it has to be asked whether they have gone a little too far
this time.
Privacy and security concerns
The most
important thing to consider is that, for some, these developments are an
invasion of privacy. Gadgets and electronics are widely reported as dominating
many aspects of our daily lives and not everyone will be pleased to see them
taking control of yet another area.
Additionally,
while Facebook and British Airways are collecting and using this data to breed positive
results, there are those who may take an alternative approach.
Knowledge is power
Facebook
also divided opinions by conducting its research behind the backs of those
involved. Although there are arguments that publicising the study before its completion
could have skewed the results (with users looking for specific features), the
truth remains that Facebook studied individuals without informed consent – thus
going against most ethical guidelines.
It’s
therefore only understandable that some users would react to this by
questioning the actions of the firm involved.
Protecting consumers
Privacy and
security are top concerns in the digital world – you need only consider the
importance of software escrow for evidence of that – and this means developers
are charged with safeguarding these aspects all times.
While
software escrow is a simple solution to those who want to safeguard their
interests and the interests of their company when using third-party software or allowing other parties to use their own software,
there is currently little security measures to govern the research being
undertaken by the likes of Facebook and British Airways.
Although
their surveys and current focuses provide plenty of food for thought for the
industry, it seems likely that great control will be needed if the public are
to get on board.
The
possibilities and results are undoubtedly positive … it’s just the execution
which needs a little work!
