Utopian vs. Dystopian Views of Technology

Utopian View -

The internet, iPhones, iPods, and computers all make our lives better and easier, and will continue to improve our lives.  We can gather any information needed at the touch of a screen and learn.  Indefinitely.

Dystopian View -

Check that.  We are checking our emails/facebook 25 times a day.  We cannot obtain a college degree without a laptop.  Perverts and pedophiles stalk and claim victims through the internet.  If you can't use MS Office, good luck getting a job that pays more than minimum wage.  Anyone can track your background, history and location with the click of a mouse.  Indefinitely.

Whether you believe the utopianistic or dystopianistic perspectives, both are examples of technological determinism.  Determinism is a theory that we are indefinitely bound by technology and we are destined to progress socially in a manner that only technology can decree.  If it is possible for man to develop a technology, it is a certainty that they will.  Surprisingly, this theme has been acknowledged in works of man through many decades and many sources of media.  Here are a few of my favorites:

Paul E. Ceruzzi's Essay on Moore's Law and Technological Determinism -

Moore's Law empirically stated that the rate at which man develops technology can be calculated, specifically in the amount of transistors that could possibly be placed on an integrated circuit.  This theory was developed  in 1965.  Ironically, at each past point in time since then, scientists consistently  predict that the calculation will fail within the ensuing ten years.  It has held true till today.

The Machine Stops by E. M. Foster -

This was written almost 100 years ago!  It is a fictional prediction of how man could become so dependent on technology, that it will someday lead to our downfall.  This trend is still used today in such movies as:

I, Robot

The Matrix

The Terminator

So, before you get too comfortable enjoying your technological conveniences, take a step back.  Think about how simple electronics and interfaces are changing you.  Think about how they are changing society.  It could lead to our total downfall.  But hey, destructive or not, having the freshest technology can still be pretty cool.