Use Value in Software

When reading through Anil Dash’s How Markdown Took Over the World, I was swiftly reminded of the sheer amount of modern software that relies on community-focused, non-proprietary software. Markdown provided a service that focused on improving fluidity and accessibility. Now, we can all think of products or services that focus on these things. Plenty of examples come to mind, such as the overall process of refinement in the user interface of iOS or MacOS. What stands out about Markdown is that the soul focus was on providing these benefits for their use value.

We often see any improvements locked behind some kind of paywall. Be it a new phone or new PC hardware, we have all experienced a new service coming out that demands more money for entry. Markdown was different in that regard. Markdown echoed the earlier development of the Linux kernel in the early 90s. Though it may be a shock to some, Linux comprises a major amount of usage throughout the tech field. Use cases include operating systems for mobile phones, cars, and smart TVs. Even Microsoft and NASA use Linux in some capacity. Software or technology developed with pure use value is crucially important in the development of computing technology.

It’s safe to say that projects like Markdown have become foundational in creating the online environment we experience today. But what about tomorrow? Miles Klee’s article on fake AI academic papers conveys a concerning outlook on the future of AI integration. AI hallucinations are complicating our ability to rely on academic sources and prompt us to be more critical in our research than we used to be. The AI development we hear about in the news so frequently is spearheaded by private companies who have varying plans and aspirations for the future of AI. What I would like to know is how the future of AI could be shaped by a model originating with the same intentions as Markdown.

Instead of pure profit or control, AI could be contextualized by its use value and communal benefit. AI could provide us with improved productivity, even if its just taking care of menial tasks for us. It seems that some of the most beneficial programs and digital architecture have originated with use value in mind, and AI doesn’t need to be that different. We have to ask ourselves about the development of for-profit software like Adobe products. What kind of moves does the profit motive push Adobe to make? In what ways has Adobe gotten less able to fulfill its usefulness and accessibility in favor of profit? In regard to AI, we have to ask ourselves about the communal cost involved with allowing this technology to be proprietary or privately owned. Perhaps we should be looking to Markdown for guidance as to how we could better utilize AI technology for its legitimate uses.