The Importance of Ethics and Inclusive Design in Tech

Question: Put this in human form using your own words This week’s topic really made me pause and reflect. We talked about Ethical AI and Responsible Computing—words that, at first, might sound technical or even overwhelming. But once we started unpacking what they actually mean, I realized just how relevant and important these concepts are, especially for someone like me who’s stepping into the tech industry. At the start of this journey, I assumed that as long as a tech solution worked and solved a problem, that was enough. But I’m learning that it’s not just about what we build—it’s about how and why we build it, and more importantly, who gets affected by it. The Good, the Biased, and the Unfair We often hear how AI makes life easier—helping businesses streamline processes or making recommendations on Netflix. But what we don’t hear as often is how AI systems, if not designed carefully, can cause real harm. For instance, this week we looked at examples of AI being used in hiring systems that automatically screened out women or people of colour because of biased training data. It’s heartbreaking to realise that technology, which should be a tool for progress, can actually reinforce the same inequalities we’re trying to overcome. What hit me most was that these systems weren’t necessarily created with harmful intentions. That’s what makes this topic even more important. You can have the best intentions and still build something that excludes or mistreats people—if you’re not thinking about ethics from the very beginning. Who Gets Left Behind? Something I kept asking myself during this week’s reflection was: “Who is missing from the room when these systems are designed?” Often, the people affected most by unethical or biased tech are the ones who aren’t represented in the decision-making process. That’s a huge issue—and one I want to be part of changing. It also made me think about South Africa specifically, where the digital divide is still very real. Many people in under-resourced communities don’t have access to devices or the internet, let alone the opportunity to influence how tech is created. If we’re not careful, we’ll keep building systems that only work for those who already have power and privilege. This is where inclusive design matters so much. We need tech solutions that work for everyone—not just those who are easy to reach or already connected. Whether that means designing apps that work offline, or using training data that reflects a broader demographic, these are the kinds of thoughtful choices that make ethical AI possible. It Starts With Me This week also made me reflect on the kind of tech professional I want to be. It’s easy to get caught up in building the most advanced solution or learning the latest language, but none of that matters if the tools we create end up causing harm. I want to be someone who leads with integrity and doesn’t just follow trends. I want to be in rooms where difficult questions are asked: “Who might this harm?” “What are we not seeing?” “How can we make this better?” Those questions aren’t always comfortable, but they’re necessary. Especially now, when AI is moving so quickly, and systems are being adopted faster than they’re being regulated. And the truth is, ethics in computing is everyone's responsibility—not just for CEOs or policymakers, but for developers, designers, students, and everyday users too. A Lesson I’ll Carry Forward What this week really gave me was a new lens. I now look at technology differently. I’ve started asking more questions, thinking about long-term consequences, and even being more critical of the apps and platforms I use. It’s not about being afraid of tech—it’s about being aware and intentional. We have the tools to create incredible change, but that power comes with responsibility. As a future developer, I know I won’t always get everything right. But I can promise myself that I’ll always try to do what’s right—and that starts by staying informed, staying curious, and staying accountable.