Week 9 should we be doing this?

When we talk about creating smarter cities we think of ways we can improve the way we live, the way we do things, or what things we can stop doing by the use of technology. Initially we think of ways to use technology in order to meet a need or accomplish something that can be used for the good of the community. But often we never stop to think, how can this new technology can be used, in what ways will it end up being used.

Our advancements in technology eventhough they are mostly designed in a mission to create something good. In essence is a double edged sword. More so the technology we create is agnostic and it is the way we use it that defines if it is good or bad.

This use of technology is not new, every time something is invented someone will find a way to use said invention in a negative way or in a way for personal gain without any regards for others. When we go back to he topic of smart cities the most gray area that comes with it is surveillance which can be as easily used for good as for bad.

We should always thread carefully whenever we are designing a system to take into consideration the effects introducing this can cause in the community. Could there be a conflict of interests? Can a negative outcome come out of it? What happens if the people overseeing this affect the purpose of the tech or if they use this for their personal interest?