day 13

There’s been more coverage lately about the role of technology, “big tech” in particular, during crisis.

When we think of humanitarian aid, we reflexively think of non-profits and NGOs. Big names like UNICEF (remember trick-or-treat?), Doctors Without Borders, Red Cross. These are organizations that exist solely to help in times of need, whose main purpose is to serve others, with donors giving billions each year to help them achieve this.

So it’s fair for the likes of Apple / Google to face some scrutiny if they want to enter the ring.

Chuckled at a line from a recent Axios article: “…Tech companies always love to show off their "how can we help?" reflexes when calamities arise…but the pandemic response is breaking from the normal pattern in which government calls for action, specifies needs, and sets standards and priorities” -Scott Rosenberg

That “How I can help?” personification is incredibly accurate.

It can sometimes come off shallow and even arrogant, but it’s really rooted in this core belief within technology companies, founders and employees that people are meant to identify problems and solve them. That there is joy not just in solving problems but in the act of finding solutions.

Are we way out of our depth on this one? Who knows.

What precedent does it set? Time will tell.

In the meantime, would I rather have inaction? Hell no.