What is the price of technological change?

In the quiet of the morning, you reach for your smartphone before your eyes are fully open. A quick scan of emails, a glance at the weather, and a scroll through news headlines set the tone for your day. This scenario, familiar to many, illustrates our deep-seated reliance on technology. Yet, as we navigate this digital landscape, it’s crucial to recognize that every technological advancement comes with a price tag — not always monetary, but often paid in subtle shifts in our behavior, thinking, and societal norms.

Drawing inspiration from Plato’s “Phaedrus” and the concept of “The Judgment of Thamus,” let’s explore the costs associated with technological change. Thamus, the Egyptian king, provides a lens through which we can examine the double-edged nature of innovation.

Thamus’s perspective, as recounted by Plato, suggests that technology is both a gift and a burden. The invention of writing, for instance, was presented as a remedy for forgetfulness. However, Thamus argued it would lead to a decline in memory as people relied on external records rather than internal recall. This ancient tale sets the stage for our modern technological exchanges.

Every technological advancement demands a trade-off. The printing press democratized knowledge but diminished the oral tradition. The internet connected the world but challenged privacy norms. These exchanges are not inherently good or bad, but they reshape our world in profound ways.

Consider the adage, “To a man with a hammer, everything looks like a nail.” This principle extends beyond simple tools to complex technologies. Our perception is invariably shaped by the instruments we use. Pencils encouraged linear thinking, cameras framed our visual understanding, and computers ushered in the age of binary logic. While these tools have expanded human capabilities, they can also limit our perspective if we’re not mindful of their influence.

As Neil Postman writes in his 1993 book Technopoly, “Without being too literal, we may extend the truism: To a man with a pencil, everything looks like a list. To a man with a camera, everything looks like an image. To a man with a computer, everything looks like data. And to a man with a grade sheet, everything looks like a number.” (This feels so relevant in the age of the selfie and mobile phone cameras)

In today’s data-driven world, we often find ourselves valuing only what can be measured. This metrics-focused approach has revolutionized industries but at what cost? Human experiences are reduced to data points, potentially overlooking nuanced qualitative insights. In healthcare, for instance, while data analytics have improved diagnoses and treatments, there’s a risk of neglecting the holistic, human aspects of patient care.

Socially, our digital connections have redefined human interaction. We can maintain relationships across vast distances, but the quality of these interactions is often debated. The rise of social media has connected us globally while paradoxically contributing to feelings of isolation and anxiety for many users.

Environmentally, our technological progress comes with ecological costs. The manufacturing and disposal of electronic devices contribute to pollution and resource depletion. The energy consumption of data centers and blockchain technologies raises concerns about carbon footprints in our digital age.

Yet, it’s crucial to maintain a balanced view. Technology has undeniably enhanced human life in countless ways. Medical advancements have extended lifespans and improved quality of life. Educational technologies have democratized learning. Communication tools have fostered global understanding and collaboration.

Human adaptability remains our greatest asset. As we continue to develop new technologies, we have the potential to do so responsibly, with an awareness of potential consequences. Organizations can implement ethical guidelines for tech development, considering long-term societal and environmental impacts. Individuals can practice mindful technology use, setting boundaries and prioritizing face-to-face interactions.

Practical Tips for Mindful Technology Use:

1. Digital Detox: Implement regular “tech-free” periods in your day or week. This could be as simple as not using devices during meals or dedicating an hour before bed to non-digital activities.
2. Curate Your Digital Environment: Be intentional about the apps and notifications on your devices. Only keep what truly adds value to your life and work.
3. Practice the “20–20–20” Rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. This helps reduce digital eye strain and encourages momentary disconnection.
4. Use Technology to Limit Technology: Leverage apps and built-in phone features that track and limit your screen time.
5. Prioritize In-Person Interactions: When possible, choose face-to-face meetings over digital communication, especially for complex or sensitive discussions.
6. Engage in Analog Activities: Regularly participate in activities that don’t involve screens, such as reading physical books, engaging in outdoor activities, or practicing handwriting.

The price of technological change is complex and multifaceted. It demands our attention and thoughtful consideration. As we move forward, let’s remain cognizant of the trades we make with each innovation. By doing so, we can harness the power of technology while hopefully mitigating its drawbacks.

The next time you reach for your smartphone, pause for a moment. Reflect on how this tool shapes your perception and interactions. Challenge yourself to use technology intentionally, as a means to enhance rather than replace human experiences. In this way, we can navigate the technological landscape not as passive consumers, but as active, mindful participants in shaping our digital, (and human) future.

And here is a question for you to ponder….what haven’t you noticed lately?