The Ethics in Our Algorithms: When Code Contradicts Conduct

I've been thinking about the ethical frameworks we unknowingly embed in our systems. Recently, while working on a recommendation engine, I realized our technical decisions often directly contradict our stated Codes of Conduct.

For example: training data choices that perpetuate societal biases, engagement metrics that reward controversy, and optimization goals that prioritize growth over truth. We're writing moral judgments into systems that then scale our blind spots.

Some concerning patterns:

Algorithms that claim neutrality while making value judgments

Codes of Conduct that address individual behavior but ignore systemic algorithmic harm

The disconnect between PR ethics and engineering priorities

I explored how this creates what I'm calling "algorithmic hypocrisy" - where our systems behave in ways that would get individuals disciplined under the same companies' Codes of Conduct.

Would be curious to hear from other developers who've faced similar ethical tensions between what we build and what we promise.

https://blog.thecodejedi.online/2025/10/code-of-conduct-hidd...