| 1. |
- Asai, Ryoko, 1977-, et al.
(author)
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The revival of natural and cultural identity through social media
- 2011
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In: The computational turn. - Münster : MV-Wissenschaft. - 9783869913551 ; , s. 329-331
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Social media has played an important role as hub for information in political change. It can contribute to the development och psychological and social preconditions for dialog and democracy.
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| 2. |
- Fors, Per, 1988-, et al.
(author)
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An Intuition-Based Approach to Sustainable ICT : Insights from Eco-Ethica
- 2019
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In: Tetsugaku Companion to Japanese Ethics and Technology. - : Springer. - 9783319590257 - 9783319590271 ; , s. 181-200
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Book chapter (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In this chapter we draw on the Japanese philosopher Tomonobu Imamichi in order to further develop our understanding of the relationship between Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and ecological sustainability. Our main contribution is an intuition-based approach to design for sustainability, which, for instance, means to design ICT products in a way that invokes feelings of wastefulness or misuse if used in an unsustainable manner. In contrast to persuasive approaches – which have mainly focused on raising awareness, nudging decisions, or stimulating positive behavior through gamification – we rely on the human tendency to unconsciously and effortlessly formulate mental heuristics or intuitions, when exposed to consistent feedback. The claim is that people can learn to associate perceptual cues with environmental impact, and by that will be empowered to make more sustainable choices. Based on the implications of Imamichi’s Eco-ethica, we suggest that this approach can be more fruitful for encouraging sustainable choices than both awareness raising and behavior manipulation.
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| 3. |
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| 4. |
- Laaksoharju, Mikael, 1977-, et al.
(author)
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Can micro world simulations assess and stimulate ethical competence?
- 2008
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In: Proceedings of the Tenth International Conference ETHICOMP 2008. - Mantua, Italy : University of Pavia. - 9788890286995 ; , s. 503-510
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Micro worlds can be constructed to assess and promote the ethical competence of users. However, the theoretical basis has to be on psychological problem solving and decision making processes. In this paper we discuss the conditions necessary for a micro world as a method to measure and train ethical competence. Two things in particular are interesting to investigate: 1) To determine which parameters to measure, that indicate autonomous decision making, and 2) to establish a model for interpreting the proceedings and the subject’s interaction with the simulation as a representation of the psychological problem solving and decision making process.
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| 5. |
- Laaksoharju, Mikael, 1977-
(author)
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Designing for Autonomy
- 2014
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- In this thesis, two problems are addressed.The first problem is how designers of computerized artifacts come to understand what they should design. In order to improve their chances for solving the right problem, it is suggested to adopt a deductive theorizing protocol, based on falsification, as it is expressed in philosophy as well as in psychological research on problem solving and decision making.It requires a shift in the role that designers take in communication with users; rather than considering users as objects of study, the designers' understanding is being scrutinized, by users.To accomplish this, an explication of the designers' understanding is necessary to formulate: a Theory of Use, which should account for the assumptions that the designers make about the users and the use situation. It should also be focused on what the designers understand to be the qualities of a good solution. These assumptions and qualities should be formulated as statements that are falsifiable by the users. Through this, the designers can, in a systematic way, get feedback on how well they have understood what they are designing for. Furthermore, the Theory of Use becomes the requirements against which subsequent design hypotheses are evaluated.The second problem is how to determine if a computerized artifact is appropriate for a given purpose. To guide such an evaluation, it is suggested to focus on the autonomy of the artifact's users. This is based on the philosophical and psychological conclusion that autonomy is necessary for human well-being, which is not explicitly taken into account in current design practice.The proposed Theory of Use protocol also gives designers the autonomy they need for developing their understanding and expertise. It is intended to improve and guide communication with users, targeting the most important facet of design: the designers' understanding of what they are designing for. Moreover, the protocol puts users in control over what is developed for them, and lets them have the final say on how their lives are designed.
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| 6. |
- Laaksoharju, Mikael, 1977-
(author)
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In Support of Democratic Dialogue
- 2012
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- There are many interpretations of what constitutes a democracy. Not all of these recognize that the fundament for a democratic society is the acceptance of dissent. All qualities that we see as constituent of democracy, like separation of powers; equality; elections; freedoms of speech, political expressions and press; etc., are however empty phrases unless society protects those who do not subscribe to the predominant, publicly endorsed ideologies. Nevertheless, it cannot be disregarded that dissent can be destructive and even pose a danger to the democracy that protects it. Recently we have seen all over Europe that populist right-wing parties are gaining increasing influence; influence that could be interpreted as a threat to democratic principles like equality of individuals. How can this be dealt with democratically?We believe that the only reasonable way — the only democratically correct way — to handle populist discontent is by careful scrutiny of what is being expressed. To stigmatize and trying to exclude the dissent from public debate has not been successful in suppressing the tendencies. By instead refuting the fundamental premises for the claims, it should be a minor problem to refute these. Complaints should not be denied but instead publicly challenged. This presupposes great trust in democratic principles but also a preparedness to change ones own position.To facilitate democratic dialogue about concrete issues, on any level in society, we have constructed a collaborative tool. The principle is very simple, almost banal, and the fact that we propose a simple tool to solve a complex problem in deed seems presumptuous. Yet we have experienced that the tool is remarkably powerful. The reason why we can claim with some confidence that it works, is the theoretical founding of it. It is built on the assumption that people are not making judgments in isolation. Societies are systems of people and thus societal problems can only be solved by addressing values and interests of the involved stakeholders; by answering questions about how these are affecting the problem situation and how these are affected by any proposed solution.The advantages with using the tool for this type of analysis are many. First, the tool supplies an open, distributed platform, in which an analysis can evolve organically. It allows different parties to include their points of view and decision makers to follow how arguments have been applied in concrete situations. Second, it counters the power of rhetoric and invites pluralism. Unlike debates, there is no need to limit the number of issues. Structure is instead given by application of arguments in concrete situations. Finally, the tool is designed to counter a number of biases, commonplace in decision making. The form in which arguments are presented makes it difficult to revert to value-laden principled reasoning, and invites to a proactive, concrete, solution-oriented discourse.At the conference, we will present the moral philosophical and psychological foundation for the tool and demonstrate how it works. It represents a form of social media that has the purpose of facilitating democratic dialogue.
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| 7. |
- Laaksoharju, Mikael, 1977-, et al.
(author)
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Supporting Shared Responsibility for Integrating Ethics into Science and Technology Education
- 2022
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In: 2022 IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference (FIE). - : Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). - 9781665462440 - 9781665462457
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- To complement previous research on the top-down inclusion of ethics training within engineering programs, this Innovative Practice Work in Progress paper describes a supplementary strategy acknowledging and supporting ethics training as a shared responsibility. As science and technology have ethical impact, accreditation bodies have in the past decades mandated the inclusion of ethics in STEM education. However, the implementation of ethics education is fraught with obstacles. Through a case study of a Faculty-wide effort to support shared responsibility for ethics training, the pros and cons of an institutionally embedded ethics approach are discussed. It is argued that such an approach can provide a rooted base that can also serve to comply with more formal ethics evaluations, by strengthening a view of ethics as craft, acknowledging subject teachers as ethics ambassadors, reforming the hidden curriculum, and depoliticizing institutional politics.
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| 8. |
- Laaksoharju, Mikael, 1977-
(author)
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Wabi-sabi in the design of ICT : aestheticising digital imperfections
- 2018
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In: Wabi-Sabi. - Tokyo, Japan : Chiyoda Cres Co., Ltd.. ; , s. 162-163
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- ICT is, at least in theory, promising perfection. It is the ideal vehicle for organisations that strive for predictability and efficiency. The correctness of algorithms can be proven, data can be verifiably accurate, and computations can be precise to any desired extent. However, in practice this is just a mirage. Any piece of software of reasonable complexity contains bugs, data is often incomplete and erroneous, and computations need to be approximated for practical reasons. The two first types of imperfections are caused by humans – by the programmers of the software and by the users who input information. The third type of imperfection is usually due either to the binary modelling of decimal numbers or limitations of computational resources. We can add a fourth type of imperfection, namely the small risk of random errors in the memory structures of computers, which is most often associated with cosmic radiation.The common reaction when an imperfection in ICT is noticed is to request it to be immediately fixed. This makes perfect sense in a utility-focused value system, but if we instead would approach the imperfection as wabi-sabi, we would perhaps be able to regard it as something more than a disturbing error. It could enrich the experience of using mundane organisational ICT systems by unveiling authorship and character. It could also serve as a reminder of our reliance on technology: the greater the negative effect of the imperfection, the more conceited was our reliance on an essentially fragile construction.An undesired imperfection in code could be remedied in a way that leaves no trace of it ever having occurred, but that also means that the artifact’s history is lost. Tracelessly fixing an error deprives us of experiencing the maturation of an artifact and binds us in a non-temporal present in which development is a result rather than a process.Wabi-sabi has been addressed to some extent in design research (e.g. Tasaknaki & Fernaeus, 2016). However, this research has focused largely on the visible and tangible features of technology – not on the hidden binary, algorithmic mechanics of ICT and how these impact organisations – but within the domain of digital games there is a clear example of wabi-sabi in a subculture that reveres imperfections – glitches – for what they reveal about the construction of a game and for the hidden affordances that they offer (see e.g. Stryder7x). This subculture could be categorised as striving toward hedonic goals but some lessons for professional organisations could still be gleaned by studying its dynamics.In the current society there is a widespread tendency to value increasing productivity and efficiency, with little concern for how this impairs human experiencing. Aestheticising digital imperfections may be an avenue to better appreciate human fallibility, the (digital) material, and chance as inevitable characteristics of digital artefacts. From a rational point of view, contemplation over the ubiquitous imperfections could very well teach ICT-powered organisations to become more resilient and less vulnerable to technological breakdowns.
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| 9. |
- Laaksoharju, Mikael, 1977-, et al.
(author)
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What is the problem to which AI chatbots are the solution? : AI ethics through Don Ihde's embodiment, hermeneutic, alterity, and background relationships
- 2024
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In: Ethics and Sustainability in Digital Cultures. - Oxon : Routledge. - 9781032434643 - 9781003367451 ; , s. 31-48
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Book chapter (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Almost overnight at the end of 2022, ChatGPT became a hot topic – a technology that seemed to “change everything.” In this essay, we analyze the ethical implications of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots, such as ChatGPT, by circling around the question “how do we live well together with AI chatbots and its ilk?”. We focus on how technology mediates relationships between humans, technology, and the world, drawing on Ihde’s embodiment, hermeneutic, alterity, and background relationships. Rather than placing AI chatbots into one of the categories, we see how they can be seen as belonging to all four forms of relationships with their corresponding ethical issues. In embodiment relationships, AI chatbots can be used to relate to the world, for example as a digital assistant. In hermeneutic relationships, AI chatbots can let you read the world and provide a constant diagnosis of statements, courses of action, etc. In alterity relationships, AI chatbots can become your always available speaking partner. In background relationships, AI chatbots contribute to introducing generalized doubt and highlighting the world as something to be prompted. An observation is also that while there are many benefits of chatbots within embodiment, hermeneutic, and alterity relationships, there are significant drawbacks within the background relationships.
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| 10. |
- Lennerfors, Thomas Taro, 1979-, et al.
(author)
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A Pragmatic Approach for Teaching Ethics to Engineers and Computer Scientists
- 2020
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In: 2020 IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference (FIE). - 9781728189628 - 9781728189611
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In this Innovative Practice Full Paper, we present a novel approach and a framework for teaching ethics to engineering and computer science students. The paper starts off by describing the background and context for the development process. The framework is sequential and consists of the following stages: Awareness, responsibility, critical thinking and action. It is described and related to earlier literature on engineering ethics, and we have tried to reflect our educational approach also in our description of the framework. The framework can contribute to research about engineering ethics education by re-stating the importance of responsibility, and by providing a sequential, interdependent heuristic that can make students and teachers aware of how different learning outcomes are related. The reconstructed, underlying reason for the pedagogical development is claimed to be an understanding of the human being from a post-phenomenological, virtue-based, and post- heroic standpoint.
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| 11. |
- Lindblom, Jessica, 1969-, et al.
(author)
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A roadmap for UX in rail : Changing tracks in train traffic research
- 2022
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In: Conference Proceedings of the 51<sup>st</sup> NES Conference. - Uppsala : Nordic Ergonomic Society (NES) & Uppsala University. - 9789150629750 ; , s. 51-58
-
Conference paper (other academic/artistic)abstract
- This paper presents a roadmap for promoting user experience (UX) in rail, in particular for professional workers in train traffic operations. There is a general neglect of UX aspects when designing for and interacting with various kinds of technology in the workplace, especially in safety-critical domains. We provide motivations for considering UX in safetycritical domains and present recent UX research. We outline a roadmap consisting of a research agenda with five avenues for future research on train traffic operation. We argue that our roadmap is well-aligned with the identified need for more research on UX at work. We hope future research will contribute to a deeper understanding of how positive experience at work matters in train traffic.
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| 12. |
- Lindblom, Jessica, 1969-, et al.
(author)
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Roadmap for UX in future operational train traffic control
- 2024
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In: International Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics. - : InderScience Publishers. - 2045-7804 .- 2045-7812. ; 11:1, s. 28-55
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In this paper, we promote and motivate research on user experience (UX) in the domain of rail, more specifically for the workers engaged in the daily operational parts of executing train traffic. UX aspects have often been overlooked in the design and use of technology within the workplace, particularly in safety-critical work domains. Here, we provide an overview of current UX research at work and outline a roadmap with seven facets for future research within the domain of operational train traffic that is in alignment with the need for further investigation into UX at work. We hope future research will contribute to a deeper understanding of how positive experience at work provides additional means of enhancing engagement and improving safety management in workplaces in general and for the work in operational train traffic specifically.
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| 13. |
- Persson, Anders, et al.
(author)
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We Mostly Think Alike : Individual Differences in Attitude Towards AI in Sweden and Japan
- 2021
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In: REVIEW OF SOCIONETWORK STRATEGIES. - : Springer Nature. - 2523-3173 .- 1867-3236. ; 15:1, s. 123-142
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Attitudes towards artificial intelligence (AI) and social robots are often depicted as different in Japan, compared to other western countries, such as Sweden. Several different reasons for why there are general differences in attitudes have been suggested. In this study, five hypotheses based on previous literature were investigated. Rather than attempting to establish general differences between groups, subjects were sampled from the respective populations, and correlations between the hypothesized confounding factors and attitudes were investigated within the groups between individuals. The hypotheses in this exploratory study concerned: (H1) animistic beliefs in inanimate objects and phenomena, (H2) worry about unemployment due to AI deployment, (H3) perceived positive or negative portrayal of AI in popular culture, (H4) familiarity with AI, and (H5) relational closeness and privacy with AI. No clear correlations between attitudes and animistic belief (H1), or portrayal of AI in popular culture (H3) could be observed. When it comes to the other attributes, worry about unemployment (H2), familiarity with AI (H4), and relational closeness and privacy (H5), the correlations were similar for the individuals in both groups and in line with the hypotheses. Thus, the general picture following this exploratory study is that individuals in the two populations are more alike than different.
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| 14. |
- Villarroel, Beatriz, et al.
(author)
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Launching the VASCO Citizen Science Project
- 2022
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In: Universe. - : MDPI AG. - 2218-1997. ; 8:11, s. 561-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The Vanishing & Appearing Sources during a Century of Observations (VASCO) project investigates astronomical surveys spanning a time interval of 70 years, searching for unusual and exotic transients. We present herein the VASCO Citizen Science Project, which can identify unusual candidates driven by three different approaches: hypothesis, exploratory, and machine learning, which is particularly useful for SETI searches. To address the big data challenge, VASCO combines three methods: the Virtual Observatory, user-aided machine learning, and visual inspection through citizen science. Here we demonstrate the citizen science project and its improved candidate selection process, and we give a progress report. We also present the VASCO citizen science network led by amateur astronomy associations mainly located in Algeria, Cameroon, and Nigeria. At the moment of writing, the citizen science project has carefully examined 15,593 candidate image pairs in the data (ca. 10% of the candidates), and has so far identified 798 objects classified as "vanished". The most interesting candidates will be followed up with optical and infrared imaging, together with the observations by the most potent radio telescopes.
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