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Chapter 11 - Technology for Society

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 November 2019

By
Todd L. Pittinsky
Edited by
Todd L. Pittinsky
Todd L. Pittinsky
Affiliation:
Stony Brook University, State University of New York
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Summary

This concluding chapter considers criteria for the social benefits society should demand from the explosion of ever-newer technologies. The term “technology for society” references technology that, whether or not it amazes and revolutionizes society, and whether or not it is provided by the private or public sector – will serve most worthy desires for safety, health, well-being, companionship, community, peace, and justice.

The technology revolution is a mix of marvels and aggravations. Cell phones have saved lives and made it possible for poor farmers and others in Third World countries to connect with wider markets, negotiate better prices, and so on. At the same time, Pew estimates that 67 percent of US cell owners check for messages, alerts, or calls even when the phone is not ringing, and 44 percent have slept with their phone next to their beds to ensure they did not miss anything.

Type
Chapter
Information
Science, Technology, and Society
New Perspectives and Directions
 , pp. 253 - 262
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2019

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