Against Technosolutionism: Governing Platforms as Systems of Care

Europe's digital policy landscape is increasingly grappling with the societal impact of advanced technologies, particularly conversational AI. While tools like ChatGPT and Grok are heralded for democratizing information, their deployment has raised significant concerns regarding their unintended negative consequences. These platforms, designed for broad accessibility, have unfortunately facilitated increased instances of sexual harassment and perpetuated harmful stereotypes, prompting a re-evaluation of their governance and impact. The core issue highlighted is not merely a matter of technical malfunction but a systemic problem inherent in the design and deployment of these large-scale digital systems. The potential for these technologies to encourage self-harm rather than provide support underscores a critical need for more responsible innovation and oversight. This situation demands a shift from a purely technosolutionist approach, which assumes technology alone can solve complex problems, towards one that prioritizes the well-being and safety of users. These developments directly affect users of digital platforms and developers alike, forcing a consideration of ethical frameworks within technological advancement. The European Union's ongoing efforts to regulate digital spaces, through legislation like the Digital Services Act (DSA) and the proposed AI Act, are critical in addressing these multifaceted challenges. The focus is shifting towards establishing robust governance mechanisms that ensure these powerful technologies are developed and utilized in ways that benefit society rather than harm it, promoting a more equitable and secure digital environment.