I keep catching strays from "technology is neutral" people, so let's set things straight.
1) Technology is not neutral, especially the subset of technology called "algorithms"
2) The form-factor that makes a technology into a tool is not neutral
3) How tools are productized is not neutral
[rant]
Apr 29, 2025 14:21Let's start with "technology is neutral" as a phrase. This is just a deflection. Oh, your iPhone is a technology, your toilet is a technology. It's just *stuff.*
This is a fundamental (often willful) misunderstanding of how systems work in society (not surprising from STEM types).
I think it all stems from cyber-libertarianism, the view that people and governments are the problem. If we “free” technology from these constraints it will be a net positive, but it doesn’t take into account the systems and society it exists within.
