Navigating the Landscape of New Technology: Five Essential Questions
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Chapter 1: The Perils of Blind Acceptance
The phrase “just because we can” is insufficient justification for adopting new technology, as is simply embracing it due to its novelty.
Photo by Smithore, Unsplash
The notion that “progress cannot be halted” stands as one of the most misleading beliefs in contemporary society. This ingrained complacency often leads us to overlook the necessity of questioning new technologies. Consequently, rational and skeptical individuals may accept these innovations without the scrutiny they deserve, unlike how they would approach a new ideology or political movement.
This uncritical acceptance is not merely a benign oversight. By assuming every new technology is beneficial simply because it is innovative, we inadvertently relinquish our control and dilute our humanity. I do not advocate for a return to primitive living or outdated technology; opposing technology would be akin to rejecting food—an unreasonable stance. However, we must be discerning about our choices. Just as we scrutinize nutritional labels, we must critically assess the technologies we adopt.
To ensure we approach new technologies thoughtfully, here are five essential questions to consider:
Section 1.1: Identifying the Problem
- What specific issue does this technology address?
Often, we become entranced by the features of new technologies, neglecting to ask what problem they are meant to resolve—and whether that problem is genuinely worth addressing. For example, antibiotics clearly address the issue of severe bacterial infections. In contrast, the value of supersonic travel is less apparent. Is the time saved in flight from New York to London truly a significant issue, or is it merely “improved means to unimproved ends,” as Thoreau famously noted?
Section 1.2: Exploring Alternatives
- Are there non-technological solutions available?
When contemplating solutions to any problem, our immediate thoughts often gravitate toward technological answers. For instance, in response to climate change, we might consider apps for tracking carbon footprints or innovative electric vehicles. However, some of the most effective solutions may be simpler and more traditional—like reducing travel or opting for paper ballots over complex electronic systems. While technology can provide significant benefits, we must remain open to the possibility of low-tech alternatives.
Chapter 2: Understanding Technology's Nature
The Top Five Questions I Get Asked About Assistive Technology - YouTube
This video offers insights into critical inquiries regarding assistive technology, emphasizing the importance of evaluating its impact on users.
Hypothetical Question & Answer - Introducing New Technologies - YouTube
In this video, various scenarios are discussed to highlight the implications of adopting new technologies.
Section 2.1: Understanding Bias
- What inherent biases does this technology hold?
Every technology carries its own bias. This is not merely a political bias, but one that reflects its intended use. Aristotle argued that each organism has a purpose—its telos. Similarly, every tool possesses an inherent directionality. For instance, television tends to emphasize the visual, while print promotes deep thought. These biases aren’t neutral; they shape our behaviors and perceptions. For example, social media platforms may claim neutrality, yet their algorithms often amplify negative emotions while suppressing positive ones.
Section 2.2: Evaluating Consequences
- What are the potential outcomes of adopting this technology?
No technology is free from consequences. Every gadget has its drawbacks, some more apparent than others. Overuse of antibiotics has led to resistant bacteria, while the proliferation of air conditioning has raised urban temperatures. While some consequences are manageable, others may outweigh the benefits. We must strive to anticipate these effects better.
Section 2.3: Who Benefits?
- Who gains from the widespread adoption of this technology?
Technologies often favor specific groups over others. For instance, supersonic travel primarily benefits business travelers, while advanced mRNA vaccines are more accessible to wealthier nations. Understanding who stands to gain—and who may be disadvantaged—can help inform our choices about new innovations.
In our fascination with the latest technologies, we frequently overlook these critical questions. We must not take new innovations at face value. Personally, I prefer to live in a world where new technologies are thoughtfully considered rather than uncritically accepted. The idea that we cannot halt progress is, in fact, a relief.