Public Scepticism of New Technology – Why?
Summary
Humans are concerned about any new technology. This is understandable as the fight or flight reaction in our genes makes us cautious about anything new.
No technology is perfect on day one, so people seize on any deficiencies, but these are usually fixed quickly. Otherwise, the technology may not survive, causing a loss of jobs and future bankruptcy.
History shows us that concerns are often groundless as technology has markedly increased our standard of living and lifespan. Many people don’t like change but without it, we would be living in the dark ages.
One of the greatest advances is in AI and the video below deals with the concerns of the so called Godfather of AI who has quit Google so he can speak openly.
Concerns about AI
What Geoffrey Hinton says about AI becoming far more intelligent than humans is a genuine concern. But the majority of scientists believe (like Geoffrey Hinton) that prompt action by governments and those in the field can enable humans to retain control. Then use this super intelligence to improve the human condition enormously. Most governments have taken appropriate action or are in that process. Already more jobs are being created by AI than are being lost.
A concern is the fate of the unskilled, especially as humanoid robots are developed. This is a huge issue, probably the subject of a separate blog. Some form of universal wage may be necessary, but humans need purpose in their lives. Watch this space!
Understanding Public Scepticism
Public scepticism towards new technology arises from several factors, including:
- Fear of the Unknown: Unfamiliarity with new technologies can create a sense of fear, leading people to resist change and cling to the familiar.
- Past Negative Experiences: Negative experiences with previous innovations can reinforce public scepticism. For example, concerns about job displacement and social disruption from early internet adoption. This didn’t happen and now nobody gives it a second thought.
- Perceived Complexity: New technologies can seem intimidating and difficult to understand.
- Ethical and Moral Concerns: Surveillance, etc., can contribute to public scepticism. Invasion of privacy is a typical indignant catch cry, but honest people surely have nothing to hide. I believe if the technology helps police and governments stop crime and bust drug cartels, it is a good thing. These are very effective tools.
Evolving Scepticism
As technology advances, public scepticism is likely to evolve as well.
Trends shaping public scepticism:
High tech companies, particularly in USA, listed below with their present market capitalisation in US$ dominate the stock and physical markets. Some policymakers have raised concerns about the concentration of power within these companies, citing the potential harm they could cause consumers and smaller businesses. Particularly Google, because it dominates internet searches and crushes competition.
I use Google and chatbots because being large provides capital to make them the best at what they do. The danger of dominance is high prices as demonstrated by Apple, but Googling is free, as are simpler chatbots and higher forms are not exorbitant.
- Apple Inc. (AAPL): $3.03 trillion
- Microsoft Corporation (MSFT): $2.55 trillion
- Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL): $2.03 trillion
- Amazon.com Inc. (AMZN): $1.63 trillion
- Nvidia Corporation (NVDA): $1.12 trillion
- Elon Musk’s Involvement: Tesla Inc. (TSLA) $830 billion. All other companies founded by him are private, but estimates are: Space X: 130billion, X (formerly Twitter) $44 billion, The Boring Company, Neuralink, Cryptocurrencies and OpenAi, adding to a total of about $2 trillion
Antitrust investigations and potential actions can be complex processes. Any decision by governments to break up a large company as has been mooted for Google involves detailed considerations of legal, economic and social factors. It is probably better to penalise social infringements as is currently done.
Addressing Public Scepticism
This is crucial for fostering innovation and ensuring the huge benefits of technologies are widely shared.
The increase in scams is a good example, but it is usually the uninformed that suffer. AI and quantum computing will probably eliminate scams over time.
Conclusion
Public scepticism is a response to innovation’s uncertainty and potential risks. By promoting education, awareness and building trust, scepticism can be overcome and the full potential of new technologies harnessed to create a better future. This has always happened.
References
5 Responses
Right now the pace of change is accelerating. Old and familiar modes of living and working are being displaced and inter-generational stresses are more pronounced.
We are in an age of transition – and that calls for flexibility and adaptability as we make the most of new opportunities. Unfortunately, not everyone can see that denying this imperative sets one up to be a potential victim, not a beneficiary of this reality.
Always appreciate your comments Tony.I guess it is human nature to be suspicious and sceptical of new technology. But hopefully when defects are fixed from experience in the field, the general public will accept the benefits of any new technology.
Hi Campbell
Agree with the sentiment but human nature is to question or at least “look before you leap”. The older we get the simple life of years gone by seems easier, as we understand it better, but not necessarily so. We are set in our ways and often say “back in my day”. However, the world has evolved with technology of some sort since the beginning of time and will continue to evolve, hopefully for the good. It’s now the age of the computer and technology is moving fast with AI, quantum computing etc. so the concepts sometimes work at cross purposes and difficult to fathom.
However, with change it is healthy to wait and get an understanding of the outcomes, consequences and be comfortable with the functionality before committing. Undoubtedly and understandably the older generation is not as willing to leap as quickly as the younger generation, but eventually due to necessity we get there.
Keep up the good work
Cheers
Foulsh
Good comment John.
Yes, this is the reason for the scepticism. Because I read about developments continually and have personal experience with my own company, I know no technology is perfect on day 1. Field experience will expose defects that people seize upon and be fixed. Maybe the public would be more sympathetic if they knew this. This is the point I was trying to make.
Good comment John.
Yes, this is the reason for the scepticism. Because I read about developments continually and have personal experience with my own company, I know no technology is perfect on day 1. Field experience will expose defects that people seize upon and be fixed. Maybe the public would be more sympathetic if they knew this. This is the point I was trying to make.