Ethical Reflections on Human–Technology Interaction in the 21st Century

Abstract

The rapid advancement of technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, biotechnology, and pervasive connectivity has fundamentally altered the landscape of human life, creating a new environment defined by Human–Technology Interaction (HTI). This manuscript provides a comprehensive ethical reflection on this relationship in the 21st century. It moves beyond traditional concerns of privacy and security to address emergent, complex dilemmas related to autonomy, fairness, dignity, and accountability. The paper employs ethical frameworks, including Deontology, Consequentialism, and Virtue Ethics, to analyse the moral implications of technologies that are increasingly autonomous, opaque, and persuasive. Specific attention is given to the ethical challenges posed by algorithmic bias, the threat to human agency, the nature of digital labour, and the implications of transhumanism. Ultimately, the manuscript argues for the urgent need for a robust, multidisciplinary, and anticipatory ethical governance system that prioritizes human well-being, equity, and democratic values in the design, deployment, and regulation of emerging technologies.