As someone approaching their fifties, I’ve been constantly reminded of the impending doom that new technology will bring upon us. From television turning us into lazy couch potatoes, to video games making us violent sociopaths, to smartphones and 3G leading to chronic addiction and brain malformation – and now, the rise of killer AI systems like ChatGPT and TikTok’s Chinese spy network. It’s a wonder that our civilization has survived this long, considering how the printing press, telegraph, and telephone were all supposed to be the end of our way of life.
But here’s the thing: tech-related moral panics are both inevitable and overblown. Sure, there are stupid things we do with technology, but overall, our lives are better, more balanced, and more enlightened than our ancestors’. We prioritize meaningful human relationships, justice, kindness, and fun. So maybe it’s time to dial down the fear-mongering and focus on adapting and thriving in a world that’s constantly evolving with new tech.
