Enhancing Human Choice by Information Technologies

摘要

The paper discusses what the research community in the field of information technologies can do to improve quality of life by offering more alternatives both to individuals and to the society. Moreover, attention is given to the present IT tools which can be used to support decision making and choice among possible alternatives in complex settings. The role of ITs in achieving this goal is explained and illustrated by examples in different fields, including environmental decision-making and health care. Enhanced possibilities of choice in collaborative settings supported by new media and computer networks are also shown. Besides the role of ITs that support this enhancement, the importance of non-technological aspects is presented with special emphasis on responsibility and network intelligence.