Technically Wrong: Sexist Apps, Biased Algorithms, and Other Threats of Toxic Tech

"The Sunday Times" describes "Technically Wrong" as essential reading for anyone intrigued by the unseen biases within the tech industry that subtly seep into digital products and impact everyone. IT Pro lists it among "The 25 best books for IT leaders," highlighting the pervasive nature of technology in daily life, from online shopping to dating apps, and the need to question its design and purpose. Web consultant Sara Wachter-Boettcher provides a critical examination of the ethical issues inherent in tech design, advocating for greater accountability from tech creators. "Nature" praises her work for shedding light on the stealthy influence of algorithms, urging readers to scrutinize their apps and recognize how biased programming affects users. "Wired," in its list of "The best books of 2018 in tech, science, business and ideas," commends Wachter-Boettcher’s call for diversity in the tech industry. The Evening Standard, in its roundup of the best tech books of 2018, emphasizes the relevance of her analysis in the post-Cambridge Analytica era. Highlighting issues from chatbots harassing women to algorithms disproportionately incarcerating black individuals, "Technically Wrong" reveals the flawed values and assumptions driving these ethical challenges. As the head of Rare Union in Philadelphia and author of several influential works, Wachter-Boettcher equips readers to make informed decisions about the digital services they use and to expect more from tech companies.