Course Overview

This course presents the negative aspects of modern technologies, focusing on their impact on society, individuals, and the environment. Students will learn how technologies such as artificial intelligence, social media, and big data can lead to ethical
dilemmas, privacy concerns, and psychological challenges. The course also addresses issues such as digital addiction, misinformation, surveillance, environmental degradation, and the monopolization of power by corporations. Through critical
analysis, case studies, and workshops, participants will develop skills to assess the social implications of technology and make informed decisions about its use. The ultimate goal is to foster a deeper understanding of the dual nature of technology and to encourage responsible and sustainable engagement with its development.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completing the course, students will be able to critically assess the benefits and risks associated with modern technologies, including artificial intelligence, social media, and big data, while identifying their psychological impacts such as digital addiction,
polarization, and social alienation. They will be able to analyze ethical challenges like AI bias, surveillance, and deepfake manipulation, as well as evaluate environmental consequences like carbon footprint and e-waste. Students will understand privacy concerns related to the misuse of data, cybercrime, and legal protections like GDPR, assess the increasing power of Big Tech monopolies and political manipulations, and develop critical thinking skills to make informed decisions about the social role of technology. Additionally, participants will apply their knowledge to real-world ethical and social problems through case studies and workshops.

Course Content

The course "Dark Side of Contemporary Technology" delves into the negative aspects of modern technologies, examining their impact on society, individuals, and the environment. It aims to foster critical thinking about the ethical, social, psychological, and ecological challenges posed by technological advancements. Below is a detailed overview of the topics covered:
Module 1: Introduction to the Dark Side of Technology (4 hours)
 Technology as a Double-Edged Sword (2h)
Discusses both the benefits and risks of modern technologies through case
studies (e.g., social media, AI, big data).
 Defining the Dark Side of Technology (2h)
Focuses on key problem areas such as ethics, privacy, manipulation, and
environmental concerns.
Module 2: Psychological Consequences of Technology (8 hours)
 Digital Addictions (3h)
Explores addictive mechanisms in apps and social media and their effects on
mental health.
 Filter Bubbles and Polarization (3h)
Examines content personalization algorithms, disinformation, and fake news as
tools of manipulation.
 Technology-Induced Loneliness and Social Alienation (2h)
Analyzes how online interactions replace offline relationships.
Module 3: Social and Ethical Challenges of Technology (8 hours)
 Ethics in Artificial Intelligence (3h)
Covers algorithmic biases, discrimination, and human accountability in AI
decision-making.
 Technology as a Tool for Control (3h)
Discusses mass surveillance, citizen monitoring, and threats to individual
freedom in authoritarian systems.
 Deepfake and Image Manipulation (2h)
Explores image modification technologies and their societal implications.
Module 4: Ecological Dimension of Technology's Dark Side (6 hours)
 Carbon Footprint of Technology (2h)
Investigates energy consumption in data centers, blockchain, and
cryptocurrencies.
 E-Waste (digital waste) and Environmental Impact (2h)
Highlights the scale of electronic/digital waste and recycling challenges.
 Sustainable Development vs. Technological Innovation (2h)
Questions whether innovations can be environmentally neutral.
Module 5: Privacy in the Digital Era (8 hours)
 The Dark Side of Big Data (3h)
Examines excessive data collection, personal data trade, and lack of
transparency.
 Privacy Rights vs. Modern Technologies (3h)
Discusses privacy protection mechanisms and regulations like GDPR.

 Hackers, Cybercrime, and the Darknet (2h)
Explores cybercrime’s societal consequences.
Module 6: Technology in the Hands of Power and Corporations (6 hours)
 Big Tech Ecosystem (3h)
Analyzes monopolization, power concentration in tech corporations, and
conflicts with societal interests.
 Technology as a Political Tool (3h)
Investigates electoral manipulation and its impact on democracy.
Module 7: Future Perspectives (2 hours)
 Critical Thinking About Technology (1h)
Teaches participants how to make informed decisions regarding technology use.
 Future Scenarios (1h)
Presents optimistic and pessimistic visions for technological development.
Module 8: Workshops and Summary (4 hours)
 Case Studies: Real-Life Technological Problems Analysis (2h)
Participants work in groups to solve ethical and social challenges related to technology.
 Knowledge Test and Group Discussion (2h)
Encourages reflection on the course content through discussions.

Instructional Method

The course incorporates diverse instructional approaches to facilitate active learning, critical analysis, and practical application of knowledge. The methods include: This combination of instructional methods ensures a balanced approach to theoretical knowledge, critical thinking, and practical application, preparing participants to analyze and address the societal implications of technology effectively.
 Lectures:
Structured presentations will introduce key concepts, theories, and case studies related to the negative aspects of technology, providing a foundation for deeper exploration.
 Case Studies:
Real-world examples (e.g., privacy breaches, ethical dilemmas in AI, environmental issues) will be analyzed to connect theoretical insights with practical scenarios.
 Seminars and Group Discussions:
Interactive sessions will encourage participants to debate, share perspectives, and critically reflect on the societal and ethical challenges posed by technology.
 Workshops:
Hands-on group activities will focus on solving real-world ethical and social challenges, fostering collaboration and problem-solving skills.
 Multimedia Resources:
Supplementary materials such as documentaries (e.g., The Social Dilemma), infographics, and digital tools will enhance understanding of complex topics.
 Collaborative Platforms:
Tools like Zoom or Miro will be used for virtual discussions and group work, ensuring flexibility and engagement in both in-person and online settings.

Required Course Materials

Books and Articles:
1. Coad, A., Nightingale, P., Stilgoe, J., & Vezzani, A. (2022). The Dark Side of Innovation. Routledge. This book provides a critical examination of the unintended societal and environmental consequences of technological advancements.
2. Turel, O., Qahri-Saremi, H., & Vaghefi, I. (2021). Dark Sides of Digitalization. International Journal of Electronic Commerce. This article explores the psychological and societal challenges posed by digital technologies, including addiction and misinformation.
3. McCarthy, S., Rowan, W., Mahony, C., & Vergne, A. (2023). The Dark Side of Digitalization and Social Media Platform Governance. Internet Research. This study delves into governance issues on social media platforms and their impact on society.
4. Dwivedi, Y. K., et al. (2023). Exploring the Darkverse: A Multi-Perspective Analysis of the Negative Societal Impacts of the Metaverse. Information Systems Frontiers. This article examines the societal risks associated with emerging technologies like the metaverse.

Documentaries and Multimedia:
 The Social Dilemma (Netflix): A documentary exploring the psychological effects of social media platforms.
 Buy Now: The Shopping Conspiracy (Netflix): A film investigating manipulative practices in online shopping and their impact on consumer behavior.

Case Studies and Reports:
 Real-world examples related to privacy breaches, AI ethics dilemmas, environmental damage from e-waste, and manipulative practices in e-commerce platforms.
Software and Tools:
 Collaborative platforms such as Zoom or Miro for group discussions and workshops.
 Data analysis tools like Tableau or Excel for analyzing case studies and consumer behavior trends.

These materials are designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the ethical, societal, and environmental challenges posed by contemporary technology while encouraging critical analysis and informed decision-making.

Assessment

The assessment for this course is designed to evaluate students' understanding of the societal, ethical, and environmental challenges posed by contemporary technology, as well as their ability to critically analyze and propose solutions to real-world problems.
The following components will be used:
1. Participation and Engagement (10%)
Active participation in class discussions, workshops, and group activities is essential. Students are expected to contribute thoughtfully and engage with peers during collaborative sessions.
2. Reflection Papers (20%)
Students will submit two short reflection papers (approximately 500 words each) during the course. These papers will require them to critically analyze specific topics discussed in class, such as digital addiction, privacy concerns, or environmental impacts of technology.

3. Case Study Analysis (25%)
Students will work in small groups to analyze a real-world case study related to the dark side of technology (e.g., a privacy breach, ethical AI dilemma, or environmental issue). Each group will present their findings and proposed solutions in a 10-minute presentation, accompanied by a written report (1,000–1,500 words).
4. Midterm Quiz (15%)
A short quiz will assess students' understanding of key concepts covered in the first half of the course. The quiz will include multiple-choice and short-answer questions focusing on foundational knowledge.
5. Final Project: Critical Essay (30%)
Each student will write a critical essay (2,000–2,500 words) on a topic of their choice related to the course themes. The essay should demonstrate their ability to synthesize information from readings, lectures, and discussions while presenting a well-argued perspective on an issue such as AI ethics, social media manipulation, or the environmental impact of technology.