Testing Memory, Shifting Responsibility: Internet-Based (Self)Diagnostics of Alzheimer's Disease

Starting from the assumption that the internet is an innovative diagnostic technology, egher and wyatt analyse how the availability of (self-) diagnostic tests for alzheimer’s disease via the internet affects the distribution of responsibility among relevant stakeholders. They provide counter-interpretations to these tests by considering the personal, social, and cultural background of the users inscribed in the design of the tests. They show that internet-based (self-) diagnostics contribute to an increase in the users’ level of personal responsibility, while restricting important aspects of their autonomy and privacy. Since the online availability of such diagnostics diminishes the accountability of developers and researchers, the chapter concludes with suggestions for improving the development of such tests, and for enhancing the internet’s character as responsible innovation.keywordsmedical professionaltest developerdiagnostic practiceresponsible innovationonline testthese keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.