Skip to content

Addiction Quote by Adam Alter

“Tech isn’t morally good or bad until it’s wielded by the corporations that fashion it for mass consumption. Apps and platforms can be designed to promote rich social connections; or, like cigarettes, they can be designed to addict. Today, unfortunately, many tech developments do promote addiction.” quote by Adam Alter
Download Open image
““Tech isn’t morally good or bad until it’s wielded by the corporations that fashion it for mass consumption. Apps and platforms can be designed to promote rich social connections; or, like cigarettes, they can be designed to addict. Today, unfortunately, many tech developments do promote addiction.””

Adam Alter

About This Quote

Source Speech: Interview on technology and society, 2023

Technology itself is neutral; its moral impact depends on how corporations design and deploy it, which can foster connection or addiction.

In simple terms: Tech is neutral, corporate choices make it good or bad.

Key Takeaway

Design responsibly, prioritize wellbeing.

Themes

ethics technology design addiction social impact

Mood

concerned critical

Type

cautionary analytical

When to use this quote

  • product development
  • policy making
  • consumer education
  • mental health initiatives

Key Concepts

Corporate responsibility user experience behavioral design

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can designers balance profit with user wellbeing?
  • What regulations could curb addictive design?
A Different Perspective

Even well‑intentioned tech can be misused, leading to unintended harm.

4.0 out of 5 (6 ratings)

More by Adam Alter

Explore all 18 Adam Alter quotes

More Addiction quotes

Browse all 2,134 Addiction quotes