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Articles
DOI: 10.14254/1795-6889.2025.21-2.3
Submitted: 2025-01-29
Published: 2025-10-12

Exploring lay ethics in e-health: Attitudes and moral values among the elderly in Poland

Uniwersytet Marii Curie Skłodowskiej, Institute of Sociology, Poland
Uniwersytet Marii Curie Skłodowskiej, Institute of Sociology, Poland
Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Institute of Philosophy, Belgium
Uniwersytet Marii Curie Skłodowskiej, Institute of Sociology, Poland
Uniwersytet Marii Curie Skłodowskiej, Institute of Sociology, Poland
e-health moral values technology elderly Poland lay ethics

Abstract

This study aims to explore the ethical values and attitudes of elderly individuals in Poland toward e-health technologies, focusing on how lay ethics differ from professional ethical considerations. Methodology: The research employed individual in-depth interviews with 20 elderly participants and uses vignettes to present ethical dilemmas related to e-health tools. The vignettes were designed to contrast various moral values such as privacy vs. survival, normal behavior vs. health benefits, and autonomy vs. equal access. Results: The findings indicate that elderly participants often prioritize human contact over technology, distrust tools that replace personal interactions, and value effectiveness but not as the primary criterion for assessing e-health tools. Concerns about privacy, autonomy, and the erosion of natural social relationships were prominent. Theoretical contribution: This study contributes to the understanding of lay ethics in e-health, highlighting the importance of considering user perspectives and moral values in the development and implementation of e-health technologies. It underscores the need for a more nuanced approach to e-health that balances technological benefits with ethical concerns. Practical implications: The research suggests that e-health technologies should be designed with consideration for user privacy, autonomy, and social interaction needs to enhance acceptance and effectiveness among elderly populations.

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How to Cite

Nowakowski, M., Witeska-Młynarczyk, A. ., De Schutter, H., Juros, A., & Piątkowski, W. (2025). Exploring lay ethics in e-health: Attitudes and moral values among the elderly in Poland. Human Technology, 21(2), 293–316. https://doi.org/10.14254/1795-6889.2025.21-2.3