Social Implications of Technology | 34 comments (34 topical, editorial, 0 hidden)

Re: Social Implications of Technology (none / 0)

Unless we're talking about mind control or thought control, the purpose to which a technology is suited tends to be independent of the power relations it promotes. There are plenty of killing technologies that promote egalitarian relations.

The mine, the anti-tank missile and the anti-ship missile all have important democratizing effects, as was amply proved when Israel attempted to invade Lebanon. In contrast, the tank, the warship and the warplane are all authoritarian technologies.

by richardk (richard kulisz gmail) on Sat Jan 27th, 2007 at 03:42:32 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Social Implications of Technology (none / 0)

Yes, and I like your drawing attention to the question of purpose vs. power relations across a wide range of purposes.

I'd like to see more attention given to the design of systems of technologies and law that could promote freedom and oppose oppression in a world with ubiquitous surveillance capabilities. If there is no vision of this sort, the next few turns of Moore's law could lead to quite unpleasant results.

Words and ideas I offer here may be used freely and without attribution.

by technopolitical on Sat Jan 27th, 2007 at 04:16:19 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Social Implications of Technology (none / 0)

Surveillance will always be more expensive than non-surveillance. At least until we have AI.

Speaking of, when we do get AI, attention will become plentiful and most of the world will go nuts for lack of things to do. Switching to an economy of purpose (4th) would be an immense shock if the old economy of labour (2nd) hasn't already dissolved.

I think the technology you're looking for is the social concept of privacy so powerful in Germany and the Nordic countries. Think of Piratbyran and Piratpartiet.

by richardk (richard kulisz gmail) on Sat Jan 27th, 2007 at 04:56:48 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Social Implications of Technology (none / 0)

"...Piratbyran and Piratpartiet."

Interesting. I assume that

"...the social concept of privacy so powerful in Germany and the Nordic countries."

includes the motivations behind this --

"Antipiratbyrån's tactics inspired some 4,000 Swedes to complain through e-mail to the Swedish Data Inspection Board that the group's IP tracking violated data-privacy laws."

-- and the concern that it shows regarding database contents. Are there aspects of this that are related, but markedly different? I'm interested in getting a better sense of this in cultural terms.
-------------

BTW, it is of course taboo to discuss AI as if it might be realised, and have consequences.

Words and ideas I offer here may be used freely and without attribution.

by technopolitical on Sun Jan 28th, 2007 at 01:09:48 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Social Implications of Technology (none / 0)

As if? AI is being realized. Most of the dimensions of it anyways.

As for privacy, Germany can't even run a census because citizens refuse to provide personal information.

by richardk (richard kulisz gmail) on Sun Jan 28th, 2007 at 10:16:56 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Social Implications of Technology | 34 comments (34 topical, 0 editorial, 0 hidden)

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