Technology Mastery Must Be Balanced with Ethics and Critical Thinking
The rapid development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents various opportunities in education, industry, and technology. However, mastery of technology alone is deemed insufficient. The younger generation is also required to possess ethics, professional discipline, and critical thinking skills to utilise technology responsibly. This message emerged from a National Seminar entitled ‘Empowering 21st Century Digital Talents: Professional Discipline for Ethical Artificial Intelligence and Critical Thinking in Informatics’, organised by the Informatics Engineering Undergraduate Programme at Pamulang University (Unpam).
Indonesian technology and internet expert, Onno W. Purbo, highlighted the importance of building character and professional responsibility alongside the expanding use of AI in various sectors of life. ‘Technological development must be balanced with critical thinking skills so that users can understand the benefits, risks, and ethical implications of using digital technology,’ said Onno.
The seminar also emphasised that students, as future professionals in the field of information technology, need to have more comprehensive readiness. Beyond mastering technical aspects, they are required to understand the social impact of technology and be capable of making responsible decisions in the development and utilisation of AI.
Through this forum, participants were encouraged to see AI not merely as a technological innovation, but as part of a major shift that requires human resources with integrity and adaptability to the changing times. The organisers explained that the seminar had several strategic objectives, including enhancing students’ understanding of AI developments, strengthening awareness of technology ethics, fostering professional discipline, and honing critical thinking skills in analysing various AI-based technologies.
The theme raised also reflects the current needs of the digital industry. Amidst the acceleration of digital transformation, companies require not only a workforce capable of operating technology but also individuals who can understand the consequences of technology use and innovate responsibly. The message reinforced that technological mastery must go hand in hand with ethical values, creativity, and critical thinking skills.
Through this national seminar, the Informatics Engineering Undergraduate Programme at Pamulang University hopes to strengthen academic communication between students, academics, and practitioners, as well as prepare the younger generation to meet the evolving needs of the digital industry. More than just an academic agenda, this activity serves as a momentum to build awareness that the future of technology is determined not only by the sophistication of AI but also by the quality of the people who develop and use it wisely.