Post 6

The question or topic I would like to focus on or address throughout this post is indirectly taken from the lecture on September 16^th. The question is as follows, “Can the pace of technology be controlled? Are there more unintended consequences than some humans think there are?

My answer to the first question is yes and no. I say yes because if humans across the world wanted to create a group or delegate this responsibility they could in theory do so. However, I also say no because the selfish needs of every human being get in the way of forming such a group. Everyone expects to gain something when they contribute some input. For example, when rich alumni donate to their colleges, they expect some recognition whether it is in the school newspaper or something bigger like a building in his or her name. Similarly, if everyone formed such a group, it would be under immense pressure from corporations or other wealthy individuals who would want to influence and control it. If they had control over such a group, it would lead to more corruption and “under the table” pocketing of money. Eventually, this would lead to the dissolving of the group and end its ultimate purpose of regulating the development of technology.

Most humans around the world realize that the current rapid pace of technology has created unintended consequences. But, how many or to what extent have they been developing? For example, it is easy to see the technological gap between countries like America and third world countries. A significant population in the United States now owns a smartphone and almost everyone uses a computer at home or at work. However, in third world countries many do not even own a cell phone, and those who do, usually use a “flip phone” or something similar. Even computer use or Internet access is not as prevalent as it is in the western world. Therefore, a gap in technology leads to a difference in education and research simply because they cannot afford the newest things.

A solution to this issue would be to do “trial and error” testing. This basically means that before a product is released to the public, a committee or group conducts exhaustive tests on it to prevent as many consequences as possible. For example, before the upgrade to 4G LTE from 3G technologies, companies like Verizon and AT&T should have observed the effects in a small setting. These companies could have upgraded the service in medium sized town and then slowly upgraded the national network if little to no problems were detected. The pace of technology can be controlled if everyone wants it to be that way, but unfortunately companies and even some governments will oppose this proposition.