Human agency and responsible computing: Implications for computer system design

This paper draws on research in human factors, cognitive science, and instructional technology to examine how three types of computing practices can be problematic from the perspective of human agency.

Abstract

To understand and promote responsible computing, this paper highlights the importance of analyses based on human agency. We first examine whether computers can be moral agents. Then we draw on research in human factors, cognitive science, and instructional technology to examine how three types of computing practices can be problematic from the perspective of human agency. The first involves anthropomorphizing a computational system, the second, delegating decision making to a computational system, and the third, delegating instruction to a computational system. Throughout this discussion, we provide alternative design goals and methods by which responsible computing can be enhanced as a shared vision and practice within the computing community.