The Ethics of Social Information Retrieval

Abstract

In this chapter we discuss some of the social and ethical issues associated with social information retrieval. Using the work of Habermas we argue that social networking is likely to exacerbate already disturbing trends towards the fragmentation of society and a corresponding decline reduction in social diversity. Such a situation is not conducive to developing a healthy, democratic society. Following the tradition of critical theorists of technology, we conclude with a call for responsible and aware technological design with more attention paid to the values embedded in new technological systems.