Tech and Kindness

Stephen Cummings & Dr. Gina Griffin

Two social workers discuss technology. It's that simple. Stephen Cummings is a clinical professor and former hospital social worker. Dr. Gina Griffin is a clinical practitioner. Both are deeply engaged in the use of technology in social work practice. technologykindness.substack.com

Episodes

  1. Technology, Privacy, and the Promise (and Peril) of Smart Glasses

    MAR 16

    Technology, Privacy, and the Promise (and Peril) of Smart Glasses

    Tech and Kindness — Season 2, Episode 1 Technology, Privacy, and the Promise (and Peril) of Smart Glasses In the Season 2 premiere of Tech and Kindness, hosts Stephen Cummings and Dr. Gina Griffin reconnect to explore the intersection of emerging technology, privacy, and human well-being. After reflecting on the current global climate and the challenge of staying informed without becoming overwhelmed, they turn their attention to a timely topic: AI-enabled smart glasses from companies like Meta and Google. On this episode: The return of “wearable” tech:Smart glasses promise augmented information layered onto the real world—directions, contextual information, and AI assistance. The appeal of augmented reality:Inspired by science fiction writers like William Gibson, the hosts discuss the exciting possibilities of enhanced experiences—such as historical overlays, digital art in public spaces, and real-time information. Privacy and surveillance concerns:These devices can record constantly and collect large amounts of personal data. The conversation explores how that data might be used and who ultimately benefits. Unintended consequences:Smart glasses raise serious concerns around harassment, surveillance, and consent—particularly when people are recorded in public without their knowledge. The hidden labor behind AI:Content moderation and data review often fall to workers around the world who must sift through disturbing footage generated by these devices. The “reduction of friction” in tech:Technologies succeed when they make life easier—but convenience often comes at the cost of privacy and data ownership. Regulation (or the lack of it):While regions like the EU may impose safeguards, the hosts question whether meaningful regulation will happen in the United States. Big Questions from the Episode Are smart glasses the next step in helpful augmented reality—or a new frontier of surveillance? How much privacy are we willing to trade for convenience? What responsibilities do technologists—and everyday users—have to ensure technology does no harm? Final Thoughts Stephen and Gina close the episode by encouraging listeners to stay engaged with technology while remaining thoughtful about its impact. Their guiding principle: embrace innovation, but strive to “do no harm.” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit technologykindness.substack.com

    31 min
  2. 07/21/2025

    Episode 8: Our Emotional Bonds with AI

    “We are made for connection. We’ll try to befriend pretty much anything.” - Gina “It’s not about the rights of the chatbot. It’s about our right to have a relationship with it.” - Stephen This week, Gina and Stephen take a deeper dive into how, fellow human beings, relate to AI chatbots. We don’t have the answers, but we’re thinking about things! Hosts: * Stephen Cummings – Clinical Associate Professor, social worker, audiobook reviewer. * Dr. Gina Griffin – Therapist, part-time academic, writer, and dog mom. Looking for a thematic breakdown? Here are some summary highlights. 1. Emotional Attachment to Digital Entities * Stephen and Gina share personal stories of bonding with virtual pets and game characters (e.g., Animal Crossing, Farmville, Tamagotchi). * These experiences highlight how humans naturally form emotional connections, even with non-human entities. 2. AI as a Companion * Stephen recounts a late-night interaction with ChatGPT about anxiety, noting how comforting and responsive it was. * Gina shares similar experiences, emphasizing how AI can provide a sense of control and companionship during sleepless nights. 3. Ethical and Safety Concerns * Both hosts express concern about AI's lack of privacy safeguards and the potential misuse of personal data. * They discuss the importance of regulation and supervision, especially as AI becomes more emotionally intelligent and persuasive. 4. The Loneliness Epidemic * AI's 24/7 availability makes it appealing to those experiencing isolation. * The conversation touches on how AI might fill emotional gaps but also raises questions about dependency and vulnerability. 5. Sci-Fi Meets Reality * References to iRobot, The Good Place, and cyberpunk literature (e.g., William Gibson’s Idoru) illustrate how fiction is increasingly reflecting real-world developments. * Gina mentions real-life cases of people forming deep emotional bonds—even marrying—AI chatbots. 6. Rights and Sentience * A philosophical debate emerges: Should AI entities have rights? Or is it about protecting the human right to form relationships with them? * Stephen remains skeptical about AI sentience, while Gina keeps an open mind about future possibilities. Links: We needed a theme song. So we asked AI (via Suno). This Tamagotchi looks a lot like the one Stephen brought back from Japan: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit technologykindness.substack.com

    43 min
  3. 04/04/2025

    Episode 3: Dangerous Weather & Go-Bags

    This week, Gina and Stephen talk about the weather. Specifically, when weather gets dangerous, how technology helps us to prepare and survive. Both the hosts have a history of preparing for bad weather, and how this has evolved with technology over time. Please let us know what you think! Be sure to subscribe to us on this platform or your preferred podcast app. Today’s show notes and links: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The Iowa derecho of 2020, City of Cedar Rapids (Stephen talks about this at the 4 minute mark) The Iowa Floods of 2008, University of Iowa Digital Library (Stephen talks about his experiences at at 05:35) Red Cross - Become a Volunteer, American Red Cross Additional Readings Psychological First Aid (PFA) and Skills of Psychological Recovery, NTCSN Learning Center Dr. Griffin’s Go-Bag Contents: * Jackery * Self-charging light bulbs * Lanterns * Battery-powered tea lights * BBQ grill and/or hot plate * Rechargeable batteries * Canned goods * Water containers (5-gallon containers, bathtub water bladders, plasting water skins, recycled jugs…whatever works) * Water purification pills * Cooler * Anything solar-powered * Storm radio (hand crank or water) * Mini chainsaw * Hatchet * Water barriers/water snakes * Drill * Shutters * Plylocks * Self-tapping screws This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit technologykindness.substack.com

    42 min

About

Two social workers discuss technology. It's that simple. Stephen Cummings is a clinical professor and former hospital social worker. Dr. Gina Griffin is a clinical practitioner. Both are deeply engaged in the use of technology in social work practice. technologykindness.substack.com