Speaking practice: answer out loud for one minute
Should tech companies be responsible for what users post on their platforms?
1:00
12 conversation questions about ethics of technology
- 1Should tech companies be responsible for what users post on their platforms?
- 2Is it ever acceptable to trade privacy for convenience or safety?
- 3Who should be held accountable when an algorithm makes a harmful decision?
- 4Should facial recognition be used in public spaces?
- 5Do apps deliberately make us addicted? Should that be regulated?
- 6Is it ethical to collect data from children?
- 7Should there be a right to be forgotten online?
- 8Can technology ever be truly neutral?
- 9Should genetic editing of humans ever be allowed?
- 10How much should governments regulate innovation?
- 11Do we have a duty to switch off devices for the sake of our relationships?
- 12Which ethical question about technology worries you most?
Useful phrases
- It raises the question of whether...
- There's a tension between... and...
- I'd take issue with the idea that...
- The burden of responsibility should fall on...
- It's a slippery slope.
- In principle I agree, but in practice...
- We need to strike a balance between...
- The unintended consequences could be...
Key vocabulary
- accountable
- responsible and expected to explain your actions
- surveillance
- close watching of people, often by authorities
- slippery slope
- a small step that could lead to serious problems
- consent
- permission given freely
- transparency
- openness about how things work or decisions are made
- unintended consequences
- results nobody planned or expected
Sample answer
Should tech companies be responsible for what users post on their platforms?
I think platforms should bear some responsibility, but not unlimited responsibility. If a company profits from engagement and its algorithm actively promotes harmful content, it's hard to argue they're just a neutral host. On the other hand, making them legally liable for every post would push them towards heavy-handed censorship. The challenge is to strike a balance: clear rules, independent oversight and transparency about how content is ranked.
Practise "Ethics of technology" with a real partner
Questions are easier to remember once you've answered them out loud. Start a live 1-on-1 video call and use this topic to get the conversation going.
Practise this topic liveHow to practise this topic
- Answer each question in at least two or three sentences.
- Try to use two of the useful phrases and one new word in every answer.
- With a partner, ask a follow-up question like "Why?" or "Can you give an example?"
- Alone, record your one-minute answer and listen back for one thing to improve.