The Determinism of Applied Technology
Technology's impact on society is not inevitable. It is determinate. How we collectively choose to apply technology will be critical to our future.
Core Belief: Technology is a tool. Its impact depends entirely on how humans choose to create, implement, and govern it.
We stand at a crossroads. Technology can be wielded to concentrate power and wealth, or to democratize opportunity and knowledge. It can surveil and control, or it can liberate and connect. The choice is ours, but only if we make it deliberately and collectively.
Technology in Service to Humanity
USA Web School advocates for Technology Philanthropy: the intentional application of technology for the advancement of individuals and society. This means:
Humanistic Design
Creating technology that respects human dignity, privacy, and agency
Equitable Access
Ensuring technology empowers everyone, not just the privileged few
Ethical Implementation
Considering consequences and societal impact before deployment
Community Benefit
Prioritizing collective good over individual profit
Our Advocacy in Action
We don't just talk about Technology Philanthropy. We practice it:
- Operation Determination: Providing technology access to students in rural Ghana who otherwise would have none
- Open Source Commitment: Future tools and platforms will be open source, available to all
- Digital Literacy: Teaching not just how to use technology, but how to think critically about it
- Privacy-First: Building tools that respect user privacy and data sovereignty
- ThingList: Creating sustainable, user-owned solutions instead of extractive platforms
The Stakes
The trajectory of technological development will shape:
- How democracy functions in the digital age
- Whether privacy remains a human right or becomes a luxury
- If AI serves humanity or displaces it
- Whether the internet remains open or becomes gated
- If technology bridges inequality or widens it
A Call to Action: We must demand that technology serve human flourishing, not just shareholder value. This requires active engagement from citizens, technologists, policymakers, and organizations committed to the common good.
Join the Movement
Technology Philanthropy requires a collective effort. Whether you're a developer, educator, student, donor, or concerned citizen, you have a role to play in shaping how technology shapes our future.