Shouting Zeros and Ones: Digital Technology, Ethics and Policy in New Zealand

by Andrew Chen

‘Understanding how the zeros and ones increasingly influence and control our lives is critical to understanding how we can reciprocate influence and control back onto those zeros and ones.’ This vital book from the BWB Texts series is a call to to reduce online harm, to protect the integrity of our digital lives and to uphold democratic participation and inclusion. A diverse group of contributors reveal the hidden impacts of technology on society and on individuals, exploring policy change and personal action to keep the internet a force for good. These voices arrive at a crucial juncture in our relationship to fast-evolving technologies. Andrew Chen, Kathy Errington, Anjum Rahman, Tom Barraclough, Curtis Barnes, Tahu Kukutai, Donna Cormack, Chris Cormack, Merrin Macleod, Caleb Moses, Stephen Judd, Briony Blackmore, Anna Pendergrast, Kelly Pendergrast and Serena Chen.

Genres: Nonfiction

199 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 10, 2020

Reviews

[Lee Rowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A compelling read. It explores the tension between the positive impact that digital technology has had on human existence and its multiple challenges. I gained more knowledge about subjects including indigenous data sovereignty, digital inclusion, mis/dis/mal information, the environmental impacts of technology - including that data centres in New Zealand produce less carbon emissions than those in Australia because they use renewal hydro energy instead of coal power. Hopefully having read this book, I will feel a bit more confident raising some of the ethical issues that aren't always taken into consideration in conversations about adopting digital technology.

[Michael Toy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great lucid articles that give great context about the scope of digital technology in NZ. A little bit optimistic and could go more into the practical ways human use of technology is failing us, but a good intro to topics.

[Susan Wilson]

So insightful...found particularly interesting the chapter on links between digital inclusion and wellness.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read a LOT on tech policy but what an interesting and refreshing change to read something anchored in a distinctly New Zealand worldview.

[Nathan Moore]

Fascinating essays about digital life in New Zealand in 2020

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chapters 9 & 10 are especially pertinent.

[JayJay · Rating 5 out of 5]

The BWB books are almost always great