3Spoonies On Intrusive and Inclusive Technology

3Spoonies Episode Number 55, 14th May 2026 With Karen Duncan, Jo O’Neil and Claire Napper    In this episode we’re talking about inclusive vs intrusive technology — and asking an important question: When does “accessible” technology stop supporting people… and start crossing boundaries? As technology becomes more embedded in everyday life — from AI tools and monitoring systems to workplace software and assistive tech — it’s often introduced in the name of inclusion. But good intentions don’t always result in good outcomes. We also talk about the emotional and practical impact of intrusive technology — from increased stress and fatigue to loss of privacy and independence — and why accessibility should never come at the cost of dignity. This episode challenges the idea that more tech automatically equals better access and asks what truly inclusive technology should look like when it’s designed with people, not imposed on them.   Feel free to come and join us on any of our socials  Website - www.3spoonies.co.uk Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/3Spoonies Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/3spooniespodcast/  Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/profile/3spoonies.bsky.social  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3spoonies  Newsletter Sign Up - Get the weekly episode straight to your inbox: https://subscribepage.io/Spoonieletter      If you’d like to find out more about our hosts; Jo O’Neil Website: https://bright-cat.co.uk/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-oneil/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrightCatBusiness    Claire Napper LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-napper Website: www.blackveilstationery.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/Blackveilstationery   Karen Duncan Website: http://www.ponyponypony.co.uk  LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/PonyPonyPony  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PonyPonyPonyCourses    Sponsors A HUGE thank to our main episode sponsor:   Lisa Greener – Green Cat Books Founded in 2017 by fellow spoonie Lisa Greener, Green Cat Books has supported nearly 70 authors and published over 120 titles. We handle the production side of publishing so authors can focus on writing, work, or simply taking time to rest. Our catalogue includes children’s books, sci-fi, romance, and poetry, alongside audiobooks and videobooks, with selected titles now available on Spotify and Audible. We also promote independent creators and offer an affiliate programme for book lovers who want to share and earn. Find out more: www.greencatbooks.com   And to our advert sponsors!  Men Forge Forward Men Forge Forward is a free online community where professional men under pressure reclaim their edge through brotherhood, accountability, and the 30-day FireUP Challenge. menforgeforward.com   Nic Gray The Anti-Hustle Hub is a supportive online community for neurodivergent entrepreneurs who want accountability, connection and sustainable ways of working, without burnout https://nicgray.co.uk/the-anti-hustle-hub  https://nicgray.co.uk https://facebook.com/nicgrayadhd   Would you like to buy us a coffee? Check our Ko-Fi at Ko-fi.com/3spoonies   _____ Chapters: 00:00 Welcome 00:26 Sponsor: Green Cat Books 00:58 Intro 01:32 What is inclusive technology? 03:14 Voice dictation, screen readers, and accessibility tools 05:18 Voice assistants 08:02 Zoom, captions, and remote accessibility 12:03 AI writing tools and communication support 18:40 Live transcription and AI accessibility features 22:32 Health trackers and wearable tech 28:26 What is intrusive technology? 29:12 Targeted ads and personalised content 33:08 Health tracking vs privacy concerns 36:53 Workplace monitoring and productivity tracking 39:55 Accessibility vs privacy trade-offs 44:57 Smart assistants and always-listening concerns 49:08 AI risks, misuse, and ethical concerns 54:45 App permissions and phone privacy risks 58:36 Scam calls, spam, and phone security 01:00:51 Final thoughts and wrap-up _____