7 of 33

No

Write now Article Tools

The unstoppable force, technology, is headed for a collision course with an unmovable object, society, or is it? It is amazing to me that people even consider that society is controlled by technology. Breathe deeply, everyone; it is not. There are times when it looks like technology is in control, but it isn't, really, trust me. And what technology are we talking about?

The wheel is technology, fire is technology, computers are technology, ah, computers. That is when everyone shakes their head knowingly; computers are taking over society. Personally I think cell phones are taking over. Any time soon they will develop appendages to connect themselves into the cerebral cortex of the human brain, and then what will we have become? Borg!

Breathe; breathe deeply. It is the word "control" I have a problem with. Control society, there are politicians who I am more afraid of controlling society than technology.

I am reminded of the Bill Cosby comedy routine "The Chicken Heart That Ate New York City". In brief, Bill, as a child is at home alone listening to an old radio show. Radio was entertainment before television. As the story on the radio progresses, Bill gets frightened that the chicken heart is going to break into the apartment, so he smears Jell-O all over the floor and sets the couch on fire. There is a disturbance at the door.

"Don't come in here, there is smoke and fire and Jell-O!" he yells.

In walks his father, sees the smoke, the burning couch and he slips on the Jell-O. In a calm parental tone, he asks, "What the Sam hill is going on?" (This has been adjusted for a 'G' rating.)

"Look out, Dad, don't get eaten by the chicken heart on the radio!"

"Then turn the darn thing off!" Click!

"Oh, I didn't think of that."

There is more to the story but you should get it on CD and listen to it. The point is, turn it off, pull the plug, or remove the battery.

It isn't society being controlled by technology; it is society controlling technology to its own betterment. If it isn't getting better then turn it off. The problem is not the technology, but those who abuse it. They are the ones who have designs on controlling society.

Technology is a tool; in the right hands, under supervision, and not abused it can provide for wondrous things. A laser in the hands of a surgeon can save a life that might have been lost. An orbiting platform with a high-powered telescope gives us more distant views into our universe. We can watch sports, plays, comedy, drama, and presidential debates from the comfort of our living room.

My granddaughter and her friend can stay in touch even though her friend has moved to the other side of the continent. The girlfriend can show her pictures of her new bedroom.

Technology does not control, it can be abused by people who want to control society, but technology on its own is simply a tool. It will continue to grow, it will get more complex, and it will become easier to use. Hopefully society will also grow, become more sophisticated, and easier to understand.

As with anything new coming towards us, we must remember to stay in control and if necessary, turn the switch off. Click!

Learn more about this author, Gene Poschman.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Has society become controlled by technology??
We want to hear your view. Write now!