Fears of Technology-Blog 9

I think that one of the most crucial issues regarding technology in today’s world is intimidation. I believe that people are intimidated by technology because a lot of people don’t understand what technology entails. I think it is fair to say that when people think technology, they think of the internet, the world wide web.


Although I realize that the internet is just a small portion of technology, it is probably the most relatable sub-topic of technology that people can connect with. Although there are many beneficial things that come from the internet, the biggest downside of it has to be safety. In an online article about global issues with technology, editor Yakebu Makiri writes, “to some people, the internet can appear to be a modern day “wild west,” or something to fear. The rise of online social networking, shopping, and other online interactions that ask people to share a large amount of personal information have led to a number of risks that every internet user needs to bear in mind (http://issues.tigweb.org/technology).”


This is a very valid point and a very valid concern for everyone who has every bought or disclosed any personal information on the web. If we could effectively make the internet safer, then we could possibly build a bridge to the “intimidated” portion of the population, and effectively embrace technology for the many benefits that it yields.

Technology Ethics

With new technologies emerging there are new ethical dilemmas that emerge. Technology has already bent rules in the name of profit and technological advancement. For example, Facebook has the ability to access anyone’s personal profile at any time to make their site more successful. We talked in class how companies advertise using the information they collect from our computers.

However, it is almost impossible to control everything that goes on the internet. Some of the material on the web includes violent rhetoric that could lead to danger or the breaking of laws. But to limit free speech may also be a violation of laws and ethics. Ultimately, there is no definitive way to handle the problem with ethics as developments in technology emerge, but I think there are general principles the masses should consider as we form society around technology. Although centuries old, Aristotle’s theories of virtue and ethics may actually be the philosophy that applies best to today’s world.

The reason Aristotle’s view works for me is it deals with the concept of self-reflection of one’s place in society and self-improvement rather than trying to fix society’s problems in one fowl swoop. “According to virtue ethics, there are certain ideals, such as excellence or dedication to the common good, toward which we should strive and which allow the full development of our humanity. These ideals are discovered through thoughtful reflection on what we as human beings have the potential to become” (Ethics and Virtue). Thoughtful self-reflection is important to evaluate identity and realistic ways to improve yourself and society.

Sometimes with the intense pace technology is developing, people forget to put it into perspective and actually consider what impact the technology will have on society. By looking at one’s own place in the world and considering the common good, we may not be able to slow down the impact of technology or the consumerism involved, but at least we can be mindful of the consequences associated with an increase in technology. I think these journals are making everyone in the class do that this semester.

Valasquez, Manuel, Andre, Claire, Shanks, Thomas, and Meyer, Michael J. “Ethics and Virtue.” Issues in Ethics V1 N3. 1998.

What's In Your Technology?

Well... The answer is pretty simple, actually! Almost all consumer electronics are made up of:

• resistors
• transistors
• diodes (Light Emitting Diodes, e.g.)
• capacitors
• inductors
• wires
• power source
• Integrated Circuits (made up of all the other blocks)

That's it, for the most part. But really? That's barely anything! So how can you do that much with so little?!

Snap No More! : The Largest Camera in the World

As shown in the video “Silver & Light” (linked below), one man has turned his passion into something entirely new.  He says the idea came to him after years of seeing the same, detailed but boring, camera models that everyone else had—and wanting to stray toward the road less traveled.

Cars for the Visually Impaired

This week I saw a news story (on YouTube mind you – not the TV or a more common news site) about the successful execution of Google’s self-driving car.  A legally blind man climbed into the drivers’ seat (under the close supervision of Google engineers & cameramen, of course) and went for a drive to Taco Bell drive through.  Yes – you read that correctly, a legally blind man ‘drove’ a car!