Last night Michael Angelo and I went to see The Black Panther. Check out our discussion about technology here.
I was surprised to discover this film has many relevant themes. The one I'm focusing on today is the danger of technology.
Before I get into this topic completely I'll state what is the purpose of this article and what is not.
The purpose is not to propose that we get rid of technology or refuse to advance technology. There are many benefits to technology but that would be a separate article.
The purpose is for you to examine and use discernment for yourself and those closest to you.
Some memorable tales about advancing technology and the correlated destruction of society have been told in literature (the tower of Babel) as well as classic and modern cinema.
The first point of caution.
World domination.
"Everyone imposes his own system as far as his army can reach." Joseph Stalin.
https://ptfaculty.gordonstate.edu/jmallory/index_files/page0494.htm
The men who wish to dominate the world are naturally drawn to technology because technology presents the most practical way to kill the most people and take the least responsibility. Why use a spear if you can use a gun? Why use a gun if you can use a tank? Why use a tank if you can use a drone? Why use a drone if you can use an atom bomb? The men who wish to dominate the world also tend to be the most ruthless in their means to acquire technology.
The second point of caution.
Unhindered in evil deeds.
"And the LORD said, “Behold, they are one people, and they have all one language, and this is only the beginning of what they will do. And nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them." Gen 11:6
This describes a people who had evil desires they never had a chance to fulfill before because they lacked technology.
The third point of caution.
The possiblity of losing our humanity.
"I have exposure to the most cutting edge AI, and I think people should be really concerned by it. AI is a fundamental risk to the existence of human civilization in a way that car accidents, airplane crashes, faulty drugs or bad food were not — they were harmful to a set of individuals within society, of course, but they were not harmful to society as a whole." Elon Musk.
Perhaps humans will be overpowered by AI. Perhaps genetically modified humans will pollute the human race and compromise our characteristics.
Maybe that sounds a lot like a sci fi movie, and perhaps it will never happen. Who knows.
Regardless, some questions to ask yourself:
How much do you trust corporations?
How much do you trust your government?
How much do you trust your fellow man?
How much do you trust yourself?