I hypothesis that this position will be largely debunked as we learn more about how computer algorithms can manipulate people. Hopefully advances in scientific research will allow us to better model and categorize unethical systems.
"could the devs really be held responsible for anything" - Yes.
"It's a free market" - algorithms which can hijack the mind are a form of coercion. A free market is roughly defined as voluntary exchange without coercion. That's why we ban children from gambling.
"playing by the playbook" - society gets to define ethical constraints in which companies must comply. We learn this in business ethics. eg: Labor rights, safety, health, etc.
"could the devs really be held responsible for anything" - Yes.
"It's a free market" - algorithms which can hijack the mind are a form of coercion. A free market is roughly defined as voluntary exchange without coercion. That's why we ban children from gambling.
"playing by the playbook" - society gets to define ethical constraints in which companies must comply. We learn this in business ethics. eg: Labor rights, safety, health, etc.