# Rethinking Technology's Impact on Society and Culture
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Chapter 1: The Dual Nature of Technology
Technology has the power to reshape our thoughts and societal norms, often limiting our freedom to choose alternative paths. This discussion reflects on Neil Postman’s "Technopoly," intertwined with personal insights and literary references.
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Section 1.1: A Critique of Technological Advancement
I recently penned a response to the Unabomber Manifesto, which presents a harsh critique of technological progress. The manifesto argues that technology deprives humanity of meaningful existence by fulfilling our needs without effort. While I found its arguments intriguing, I ultimately disagreed. The quest for meaning has existed since the advent of agriculture—perhaps even before, as we lack records from hunter-gatherer societies. This version of industrial life has intensified that struggle.
Postman’s assessment of technological progress is notably less severe. He does not assert that technology hinders human well-being; rather, he emphasizes its inherent bias. Technology transforms our interactions with the world, inevitably altering our perceptions and values.
Don’t take my word for it. Consider how technology has historically influenced human thought.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Myth of Thamus: Socrates on Writing
Socrates, in his critique of writing, stated, “O most expert Theuth, one man can give birth to the elements of an art, but only another can judge how they can benefit or harm those who will use them... Your invention will enable them to hear many things without being properly taught, and they will imagine that they have come to know much while for the most part they will know nothing.” Socrates himself left no written records; his teachings were immortalized by his student Plato. In his era, writing was a new technology, akin to the internet in the 90s, prompting Socrates to be cautious about its effects.
Writing has become so foundational to our society that it's hard to imagine a world where it isn't the primary means of communication. What if authors had to memorize their novels? Perhaps they would adopt specific structures, like rhymes or rhythmic patterns. How would knowledge be shared if oral tradition were the only reliable method? It's possible that memory techniques would be held in higher esteem.
While writing did bring the changes Socrates feared—such as a decline in memorization—its benefits are undeniable. It has facilitated the creation of novels, textbooks, and the transmission of knowledge across generations. From my perspective, writing has been largely advantageous, yet Postman would argue that its societal impacts are complex and irrevocable.
The Automobile
If you explore older neighborhoods on the East Coast or European city centers, you'll notice they aren't designed with cars in mind. I experienced this stark difference in Israel, where the contrast between the modern highways of Tel-Aviv, established after the automobile was invented, and the ancient alleyways of Jaffa is evident. One city is built for cars, while the other accommodates traditional modes of transportation. I felt unsafe navigating the streets of Tel-Aviv, in stark contrast to the pedestrian-friendly design of Jaffa.
The situation is even more pronounced in the United States. Unless you reside in a major urban center, owning a car is virtually mandatory. Walking five miles to a grocery store or biking there can be dangerous. Bringing a horse would likely result in a call to animal control.
The automobile exemplifies technology's role in a technopoly. It doesn't simply coexist with previous technologies like books or television; it renders them uncompetitive. The car has shifted from being a choice to a necessity.
Chapter 2: The Role of Computers in Modern Life
Computers were not essential during my early education. In second grade, we wrote a weekly newsletter on my dad’s PC using Word 2003. We had one shared desktop and one laptop, but life didn’t revolve around screens.
Today, computers are omnipresent and critical to nearly every aspect of life. You need software for presentations at work, spreadsheets for data analysis, and even an email to book a COVID vaccine appointment. While computers are undoubtedly useful, Postman’s concern is that society often overlooks their drawbacks. Discussing the negative effects of screen time on sleep or attention may label you a Luddite, and questioning the impact of algorithms can provoke serious repercussions.
This brings to mind Nick Bostrom’s vulnerable world hypothesis, where each new technology drawn from an urn represents a potential outcome for humanity. A white ball signifies a benefit, a grey ball a mixed blessing, and a black ball a net negative. Social media exemplifies a black ball. Bostrom argues that a world where harmful technologies can emerge is at risk of extinction—a reality we face in today's technopoly.
What Can Be Done?
Postman concludes his book by suggesting that educating future generations about the history of technology is crucial to countering its dominance over culture. This solution feels inadequate, as education takes generations to take root and has often been overshadowed by technological advancements.
Another potential solution echoes the sentiments of the Unabomber, which also seems unsatisfactory. Even if we dismantle civilization, the fundamental technologies of agriculture, writing, and the wheel are likely to be rediscovered.
Ultimately, I lack a definitive solution, aside from the cliché of being mindful of how technology affects our brains.
The first video titled "Is Technology Always the Answer? Questioning the Benefits of High-Tech Advancements" explores the complexities of technology's role in society, inviting viewers to consider both the advantages and drawbacks of technological progress.
The second video, "Technology: Is Progress Always Good? | Joshua Swamidass at Iowa State," engages in a thoughtful discussion on whether advancements in technology genuinely benefit humanity, examining the nuanced consequences of our reliance on technology.