What is Humane Technology?
Technology is not neutral. By acknowledging this truth, we can build tech that helps us connect to ourselves and to each other. Together, as builders and users, we become agents of change, engaging technology to support human flourishing.
It means building a future where technology enhances life. By addressing the social, psychological, and ethical implications of digital tools, Humane Tech seeks to create a healthier, more resilient digital ecosystem that serves people and communities first.

The costs of Inhumane Tech
When technology prioritizes engagement over ethics, the consequences ripple across society—fueling distraction, polarization, and exploitation. Unchecked AI bias, loss of privacy, and declining trust in institutions are just the beginning. We believe technology should empower, not manipulate. That’s why we advocate for transparent, accountable, and human-first innovation.
Erosion of Attention,
Well-Being & Autonomy
Tech designed for engagement exploits cognitive vulnerabilities, leading to distraction, anxiety, and loss of personal agency.
Amplification of Misinformation & Social Division
Algorithms that prioritize virality over truth spread misinformation, deepen polarization, and erode public trust.
Exploitation of Privacy & Manipulation of Users
Data-driven business models encourage invasive surveillance, behavioral manipulation, and systemic bias, harming individuals and society.
Humane Technology Principles
Minimizing harm
Reducing digital distractions, manipulation, and negative externalities in technology use.
Empowering users
Promoting creativity, agency, and joy while enabling individuals to make intentional choices.
Fostering accountability
Ensuring transparency and ethical responsibility in how technology is developed and deployed.
Enhancing human connection
Supporting relationships, community-building, and shared understanding in a digital age.
Empower your organization with Humane Tech

Enhance User Well-being
Identify and address blind spots to prevent negative impacts and enhance product resilience.
- Respect user attention
- Promote digital well-being
- Conduct user research

Drive Ethical Innovation
Align products with values, ensuring long-term success and societal trust in technology.
- Align products with core values
- Implement ethical design practices
- Foster a culture of ethical awareness

Mitigate Unseen Risks
Design tech that respects attention, fostering healthier, more engaged user experiences.
- Conduct regular risk assessments
- Establish a feedback loop
- Stay informed on industry trends
Bring Humane Tech into your product
The nascent movement of Humane Technology is where Privacy by Design was 5-10 years ago. Change is inevitable, as is regulation. Lawsuits and phone bans are the starting point, as users insist that builders take responsibility for the impact of their technologies. Train your org on Humane Tech to be a leader in the space, gain a competitive edge, and have a lasting positive impact on society.
"Loved how interactive it was. Lots of engagement on the FigJam. I felt included even though I'm joining remotely. I learned about the spectrum of humane design; would love to get more resources to read more about this!"
"I really appreciate your time and how thorough and interesting this is. There’s a lot of potential here, and I think these ideas about humane technology, like better guiding users and improving understanding, align with broader design challenges we face in AI."
Events
Join us for meaningful gatherings and actionable steps to shape a more humane future for technology—together. Every voice matters. Come make a difference with us.
“Unlike other working events, where you essentially end up telling your story 10 times, you actually have something to work on together instead of just talking about yourself. Each time I attend, someone comes up with some interesting idea that I would have never thought of!”

“What I learned today was that a bunch of random people learning about humane design can actually very quickly come up with some great ideas.”

Resources
Explorations of how technology shapes our lives and how we can make it more humane.
How to get involved
The best way to get involved is to attend an event. But you can also join us on Slack
or take CHT’s foundational course.
Resources for a Humane Digital Future
Discover tools, guides, and insights to build technology that respects humanity and our shared values.
Humane Tech at Storytell.ai
Discover how Storytell.ai integrates humane technology into its operations

Introduction to Humane Tech
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- Core principles of humane technology and why they matter in today’s digital landscape.
- Practical steps to design people-first products and foster trust.
- Strategies to balance innovation with ethical considerations.

Humane Design Training
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- How to redesign a product with humane design principles.
- Techniques to enhance user experiences through ethical practices.
- Real-world applications of humane design in product workflows.

Addressing Algorithmic Bias
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- Practical methods for identifying algorithmic bias in your systems.
- Tools and frameworks for mitigating bias to ensure fairness.
- How to implement bias detection processes in product development.

Building AI with Integrity
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- How to create AI systems that prioritize user trust and transparency.
- Techniques to identify and address algorithmic bias in your projects.
- Best practices for embedding ethical design into AI workflows.
About Erika Anderson
Erika Anderson is the founder of Building Humane Tech, an initiative dedicated to reshaping technology to prioritize human well-being, ethical responsibility, and meaningful connection. Through her work as Co-Founder and Chief Customer Officer at Storytell.ai, Erika helps envision and create a digital world where empathy, collaboration, and accountability take center stage.
