For me, being an ethically responsible person means to not bring harm to other people and make the best possible decision to maximize any benefits. One shouldn’t make any decisions that will bring profits at the cost of other people. If anything, it is better to not make any profits if it means preventing hurting other people. Being an ethically responsible person also has a duty to utilize one’s potential and capability to bring greater societal good. It is rather unethical to be lazy and not use any gifts that we are born with. If we are wealthy, we should help the poor. If we have ‘super power’ to code, we should use it to create tools that will help others. There will be moments when we are given an opportunity to earn large amount of money for working for a company. That company might be developing tools that take advantage of people information. We have to take a step back and think, ‘is this right?’ We really have to think of the popular phrase ‘what would Jesus do.’
There is something called ‘The Matthew Effect.’ It derives from scripture in the Bible which states that the poor get poorer and the rich gets richer. It shouldn’t be like this. Everyone should have equal chances of fulfilling their God-given talents. So if we are raised in a household that was well off, we shouldn’t later work in life in positions that will hurt others. Instead, we should use our advantages to help those in need. As a computer science major, I look forward to helping those from underprivileged communities get access to resources to coding and learning basics of computer science. In the last three years of study at Notre Dame, I have learned a lot and it wouldn’t hurt to take an hour out of the week to tutor little kids. At the moment, it will be busy from recruiting season, but once I graduate, I look forward to giving back to society.
There will be obstacles in the technology industry. It is well known that in Silicon Valley that there is a bro culture. When I happen to experience someone getting negatively affected by it, do I tell HR? Or, do I just forget it in fear of myself not getting a raise or not being seen as fitting by other? There also might be occasions when the company is taking advantage of customers, and I will have to decide in between letting the public know or not breaking my NDA. With the rise of AI, we will soon have to determine what is worth more than others. Even lives. The easy answer is obviously to choose the option to bring greater good even if it means having to sacrifice something. But it is easier said than done. Human beings are always tempted by whatever brings them benefits. I am glad to be educated at Notre Dame which fosters values of Christianity. The environment and the student/staff seeks to help others and not think about themselves.
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