How we think about ethics in product decisions
Wellbeing beats engagement metrics. When those conflict, wellbeing wins — every time.
Ethics in consumer technology often shows up as a values page. We treat it as a decision filter.
When we debate a feature, we ask:
- Does this help someone live their life with more dignity and clarity?
- Does it create pressure to open an app, stay longer, or feel guilty for leaving?
- Would we be comfortable explaining the incentive structure to a parent or adult child without hedging?
If a change would improve vanity engagement metrics while eroding wellbeing, wellbeing wins. That is company policy, not a slogan.
Anti-addictive is a design requirement
Patterns we refuse by default include streaks, manipulative push notifications, infinite scroll without an ending, and “we miss you” messaging that preys on isolation.
Good technology should make it easy to put the phone down and return to a real day.