What Tech Ethics Is and Why It Matters

Tech ethics is the practice of making technology decisions with clear attention to people, power, and consequences. It asks not only whether something can be built, but whether it should be built, how it may affect users, and who may benefit or be harmed.

In this lesson, students learn why ethical thinking matters in software, AI, and digital products, how ethics differs from law and compliance, and how to recognize the kinds of choices that create real-world risk. The goal is to build a practical foundation for responsible decision-making in later lessons.