Why we (urgently) need Sustainable Tech Behaviour
Rethinking tech optimism: towards sustainable digital choices
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Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa.
After 25 years of experience in ‘all things digital’, I've come to realise that my tech optimism was neither justified nor sustainable. I'm sorry.
Whether it is social media, blockchain, metaverse or digital transformation, the impact of
technology is often measured by short-term business parameters, such as
efficiency, new products, profitability, scalability... But technology also has a broader, long-term impact, which we often ‘forget’ or which only becomes obvious later on.
Fake news, data privacy, Microsoft having to buy a nuclear power plant to have enough energy for their data centres. It's complicated. And now AI is also storming into the world.
Hence my tech optimism alert!
Why is it that we look at technology so short-sightedly? What can we do about it? And will we have a similar feeling in 15 years, asking ourselves ‘If only we had ...’?
I hope not. Because we need Sustainable Tech Behaviour.
In this keynote, I talk about:
the pitfall of tech optimism and innovation culture
how tech decisions impact social, individual, environmental and economic aspects
how designers, start-ups, CTOs can make more conscious tech choices.
Keynote by
Clients have described Gerrie as accessible, enthusiastic, and adept at simplifying complex concepts. He embraces this characterization. He enjoys challenging the status quo while also appreciating the value of common sense, a trait that comes with experience (or as some might say, age).
With 25 years of experience in industries disrupted by the internet, Gerrie has become a hands-on expert in navigating the digital landscape. His expertise has benefitted various clients, spanning from FMCG corporates to AI startups and from government agencies to the World Chambers Congress.
While he remains up-to-date with digital trends, he tends to frequently use words like 'user,' 'why,' and 'alignment.' His fascination with blockchain led him to write a book about it ('Blockchain is WTF').
Prior to his immersion in digital, Gerrie's diverse background included writing about music, producing television, founding two companies during his 15 years in London, and serving as a civil servant.
Chief Curiosity Officer. Intrigued by the impact of tech on business, people & society. Author/Facilitator/Speaker.
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