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by Fred C. Wilson III
February 1, 2012
“Technology is not a panacea in education because of the skills that are being lost…”
-Patricia Greenfield-
The New Technocracy
Technology is awesome; there’s no denying it. The modern world would be the envy of our ancestors if they could see us now. I’ve always had poor health; still do. If it wasn’t for modern medical science this writer would have died in childhood. I thank God for medical science. The marvels of modern technology have enhanced humanity to such an extent that a growing number of people believe the most perfect form of government is one devoid of rich warmongering politicians, greedy CEO’s, Malthusian economists, and ossified theocrats replaced by scientists, engineers, and other technologists. In such a world, decision makers would be selected primarily upon their skills in their chosen fields (Source: Technocracy-Wikipedia…); given humane/moral technocrats I think it could work.
With every human endeavor there are costs. We humans are a flawed lot as most religious texts will tell you. Our errors are reflected in every thing we do despite our best efforts to the contrary, our technological advancements no exceptions. GPS technology, I-Pods, cellular telephones, personal computers, video games, and the myriad of other marvelous hand held inventions are great conveniences. I remember during the ‘Stone Age’ (my youth) when I had an IBM Selectric typewriter. I was so happy when I purchased that second hand machine during the latter 1950’s. I made that thing perform writing miracles! It was fast. I was a good speller who rarely misspelled words. I knew exactly where to reposition my typing paper to make those little White Out corrections; no Spell Check in those days. I had a thick dictionary next to my typewriter. To make extra copies I typed on two separate sheets with a messy blue carbon copy sheet sandwiched between. If I needed three or more copies, no problem; I used more carbon sheets and-BINGO-done! The Xerox copy machine was to come out a few years later. A grand invention the PC; I compared my typewriter to the personal computer as one example.
As with all new technologies the human person loses something in exchange. Human beings had phenomenal memories until moveable type came in with Guttenberg. Think: Holy Bible, The Iliad, and other great stories before written alphabets were invented when great works were passed generationally orally.
People of all ages are hooked on techno toys. A rapidly growing number of people have become incapable of independent thinking and action. Living reality is drowned out by I-pods. The art of conversation has been taken over by texting. Overdependence on technology has turned people into mindless automatons. Large numbers of pedestrians are needlessly killed crossing streets so focused on their cell phone conversations instead of the truck that ran that red light bearing down on them. It’s a common practice for some folks I know to go out to dinner, sit down as a group, and take out their cell phones and text away instead of conversing with other dinner guests who may be sitting a few feet from them. Does technology intimidate me? No but some people behind those little hand held gadgets do.
Gaming technology is amazing. I went to an Office Max to buy some ink for my printer. There were two guys playing computer baseball. Each man chose a team. The widescreen made the simulated game appear as though I could touch the infield grass. I hold computer technology in such high esteem that I rarely use it to play games. I know in my heart of hearts that if I was a gamer I’d be hooked. I’d be tempted to buy my favorite game the infamous Grand Theft Auto. It’s sick but I love that game!
Like your writer social commentator/critic John C. Dvorak has high praise for modern electronic technology. Dvorak also lays blame where its’ due. Here’s a paraphrased listing of the ills he attributes to technological societies with some comments of my own tossed in:
Deafness: It’s no secret that while loud music may be fun to listen to that stuff can deafen you. Wearing ear buds only individualizes the loudness.
Inability to add and subtract: Calculators are handy Math tools but have you ever wondered what would happen if you were at the check out counter and there was a power outage? Most sales clerks would be lost when it came to giving you your correct change. Whenever I work number columns I sometimes add and subtract them the old fashion way using pencil and paper to stay in practice.
Loose Sense of Direction: I often wonder about those sorry souls who rely solely on their GPS while driving. GPS isn’t infallible. One time my wife and I had to attend a funeral/reception in a southern suburb of Chicago. Along the way we got lost. The GPS kept saying, “Turn right 100 yards.” The 100 yards ‘it’ was referring to was over some railroad tracks that had no signal and no street. I then removed the GPS and drove a few blocks alongside the train tracks the GPS earlier suggested until we found a street with crossing gate to carry us over them. Thank God! Had we crossed those tracks in between streets we would have died rather nasty and bloody deaths. A fast moving freight train would have made it three funerals instead of the planned one! GPS is cool but common sense is better. A lot of dumb accidents could have been avoided if drivers used their brains in dealing with one way streets that was changed due to construction made long after their GPS was purchased.
Worsened Organizational Skills: If you are a good organizer you don’t need a machine giving you instructions. Your computer will only make things worse. Use your own methods.
Inability to stay connected with society: Reader how in de’ hell can anybody ‘stay connected’ with a few hundred so-called ‘friends’ in a chat room? How on earth can you talk with someone when you’re interrupted every two or so minutes by your cell phones popping off? Speed dating; gimmie’ a break! And now the dummies have ‘virtual sex!’ What’s wrong with the old fashion way? Governments now snoop into your private life, bank accounts, sex life, anything on a whim. Reader we gotta’ get a grip on this nonsense and soon. The old pop tune: ‘Mr. Roboto’ had it right save for one thing; technology doesn’t dehumanize; humans do.
We’ll continue in the next edition of Philippine Adventures when we factor Fil-Ams into our technology equation. Till then God bless you and your family and drive carefully.
(vamaxwell@yahoo.com)