Software Developers: Designer of the World

“We are not even aware of the responsibility we bear in software development” - Richard Seidl

I think it’s time we became more aware of the responsibility of our tech and software industry.

In the past, mechanical engineers, architects and engineers were the designers of the world. They were the ones who laid the foundations for innovation, progress and prosperity with bridges, engines and buildings. But in the last few decades, in my opinion, a different role has taken the lead here: we software developers.

Without software, the world stands still

We live in a time in which hardly any area of our lives functions without software. From smartphones, our digital brains, to medical devices that save lives, to the software in modern cars that decides whether a braking distance is sufficient - or not. Cash machines. The financial system in general. Logistics. Transportation. Power supply. And and and. Software has become the nervous system of our world.

But this omnipresence also raises critical questions. What happens when systems fail? When an algorithm makes unfair decisions? Or if security loopholes are exploited? Algorithms are already influencing elections today, a malfunction in car software can cost lives - and with AI, we have a whole new level of possibilities, manipulation and innovation at our disposal.

We write code that touches not only machines, but also human lives. We should realize this reality once again.

Responsibility begins in the mind - and in the code

Software development is not a neutral activity. Every bug, every design error and every immature idea has consequences. But it’s not just technical aspects that count: We also have a responsibility to ask ourselves questions beyond this.

Does the world really need another app that makes us stare at the screen for longer? Is it okay to collect data without being asked? And how do we ensure that AI systems do not discriminate? Do we have to keep adding new features instead of switching off old ones? Responsibility means delivering more than just functionality. It means understanding the consequences of your own actions and acting accordingly.

Actively shaping the future

The good news is that responsibility is not a burden, but an opportunity. As developers, we have the unique opportunity to actively shape the world. We can write software that makes the world a little better - or at least a little safer and fairer.

There are plenty of examples of this: open source projects. Sustainable software that saves resources. Or technologies that provide access to education or medical care. Each of us has the choice of which projects we invest time and energy in.

A question of attitude

Nixon and Spider-Man agreed: “With great power comes great responsibility.” Software developers are no longer invisible helpers in the background - they are the architects of a digitized world.

The question is: are we ready to take on this responsibility? We cannot provide answers with code, but only with attitude, personality and courage. It is up to us to shape the future in such a way that it remains not only innovative and fancy, but also worth living in.