Foundations of Humane Technology
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The new course will give technology builders, policymakers, educators, students, and others practical guidance on what it means to build more humane technology, centering AI and social media. The course also addresses the challenge of shifting the surrounding incentive structures to support more humane products.
Problematic Paradigms
Humane Technology Principles
Simplify, Optimize, and Ignore the Rest
Break problems into measurable units, optimize each, and ignore systemic complexity.
Approach Technology Through a Complex Systems Lens
See how incentives, feedback loops, and hidden assumptions shape complex systems.
Grow At All Costs: Ship Now, Fix Later
The market rewards speed, not caution — cut whatever corners you need to stay ahead.
Protect the Systems We All Depend On
Tech-based infrastructure must not extract from critical systems faster than they recover.
Technology is Neutral
All technologies have tradeoffs; these aren’t the responsibility of technologists.
Tech Is Never Neutral: Use Values-Based Metrics to Make Tradeoffs
Every design prioritizes choices. Make values explicit and measure what matters.
Capture Attention & Intimacy
Attention and relationships are the deepest human resources to capture and monetize.
Design for Genuine Thriving, Not Convenient Imposters
A rigorous definition of thriving keeps products from defaulting to convincing imitations.
Democratize First, Govern Later
Broad access to powerful tools lets the best future happen; we'll update laws as needed.
Match Power with Responsibility
Broaden access while avoiding catastrophic misuse, with oversight that keeps pace.
What People Engage With Is What They Really Want
Engagement is the most honest signal of what people value; behavioral data doesn't lie.
Respect Human Psychology, Don't Exploit It
Engagement often reflects exploited cognitive biases, not genuine intentions.
Personalize Everything
Tailor every interaction to the individual until no two people share the same reality.
Technology Must Unlock Shared Understanding and Cooperation
Strengthen our ability to make sense of the world together and coordinate action.
Information About Foundations of Humane Technology (Course 1.0)
Join Participants from Influential Global Organizations
What Tech Leaders Are Saying About Our Course
“I can think of no content with more insight into what is causing the world’s biggest problems today, and more potential to enable their solutions.”
“If you want what you build to last, you need to create technology that's humane and built from trust.”
“Foundations offers a structure and language for building technology that is considerate and safe. Required learning for anyone in tech, not just engineers.”
Foundations of Humane Technology Recommended by 99% of graduates
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Course Details
Available in 3 formats: written, video, slides
Currently free of charge, thanks to our generous donors
For professionals, with or without a technical background, shaping tomorrow's technology
8 self-paced modules that average 1 hour each to complete
Interactive exercises and reflections to help internalize the material and additional resources to dive deeper
Regular events to learn from like-minded people and experts
Foundations of Humane Technology is made possible by the generous lead supporters of the Center for Humane Technology. Support for this course was provided in part by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the Foundation.
