Fear not technology

We live in a society where there are constant advances and modifications in technology. These advances seemingly happen daily. When we think of technology, the computer is probably the first thing that comes to mind. These machines become obsolete, according to some literature, every 6 months. But given our heavy reliance on technology, particularly computers, why do some people have a fear of it?

Webster’s Dictionary defines technology as “a capability given by the practical application of knowledge.” But what does that really mean? Does it really encompass things like the computer? The answer to that question is yes, but is in need of further explanation.

Sociologists define technology in a very similar way. However, they incorporate “human knowledge” as part of the definition. For a better understanding of this, we can continue with the computer as an example. For every one of the thousands of small and large pieces that comes together to make one computer (i.e., screws, cables, monitor, and central processing unit), it is important to understand that “people” had a hand in developing every aspect of the computer.

From the sociological perspective, people are responsible for technology and the constant advances. We often fear the computer because of its complexities and not-so-simple instructions. Yeah, the hundreds of engineers, scientists, professionals, and paraprofessionals that design and build the idea behind a single computer are exceptionally smart and maybe even brilliant. But can you even begin to imagine a computer with only one designer who is also the builder? How much more complex would it be? I would assume that it would take each of us a lot longer to learn its use. We would be forced to learn the intricacies of the computer based on one individual’s thoughts and purposes, rather than hundreds, maybe even thousands that build a single machine today.

Having said this, we should not fear technology understanding that it is merely “human knowledge.” Technology encompasses more than electronics and may even be as simple as forwarding memos on colored paper to capture the attention of recipients. Though this would be considered low-level technological advancement, it is advancement all the same. Consider these low-level advancements gateways to larger, more complex technologies.

Our society will continue to advance and we cannot afford to sit back and allow it to advance without us. We should embrace technology and realize that the large-scale advancements are those that take hundreds of trained scientists and others to build. It may require that we explore computer training courses or software specific workshops, as examples, to help us better cope.

Fear not technology as it is captured best by the slightly altered adage, “We can’t live with it and we certainly can’t live without.” © 2008 Keydron Guinn