Commentary: Towards more responsibility in ICT

This is a commentary in response to the article 'The Clean Side of Slow Tech' by Norberto Patrignani and Diane Whitehouse. In it I pick up on the main ideas that were argued, specifically that there is a need to take a closer look at the production, use and disposal of modern communication technology. Connecting resource production, use and disposal and its affect on climate change will require those who are in the position to make changes to come up with solutions that consider also values, beliefs and norms that lead to particular types of behaviour. ICT has had an enormous impact on people’s lives. However there has been primarily focus on its life accelerating attributes. Slowing down the process of production may open up possibilities for sustainable ICT development. The commentary combined with Patrignani and Whitehouse's article may provide a resource for those responsible in training future ICT professionals. If today's society and this includes users and producers of ICT, intends to go beyond mere rhetoric about sustainability individuals will need to take on a new kind of responsibility that covers the entire life cycle of technology.