Virtue ethics and Instagram; An analysis of user flourishing in gradual interaction with technology

Document Type : Research Paper

Author

Assistant Professor, Iranian Research Institute for Information Science and Technology (IranDoc)

10.22091/jptr.2024.11394.3136

Abstract

Is the good design of technology sufficient for its ethical evaluation? This article, grounded in virtue ethics and informed by science and technology studies, argues that it is not. While ethical design—ensuring technology does not discriminate, violate rights, or cause foreseeable harm—is crucial, it is insufficient on its own. We must also consider whether the technology promotes user flourishing or, conversely, fosters habits that detract from it. A technology that is morally well-designed might still encourage harmful habits and undermine virtuous qualities, thereby impeding one's path to flourishing from a virtue ethics perspective. This consideration leads to a different approach to evaluating the ethical relationship between technology and its users. As a case study, we will examine certain features of the Instagram social network to explore how they impact user well-being. By focusing on these aspects, we aim to provide an understanding of the ethical implications of technology design and its long-term effects on users.

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Journal of Philosophical Theological Research

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 23 November 2024

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