When Has Technology Gone Too Far?

Posted on by Melissa DeCicco

Technology When cars drive themselves?

When we talk to Siri more than real people?

When Watson wins Jeopardy or becomes  your new doctor?

When computers become self-aware?

Can it go too far?

I remember in seventh grade we wrote down what we thought would be happening in the year 2000. I haven’t seen the flying cars yet, but many of the other things on that naive grade school list are happening now, albeit  more than a decade behind schedule. We should have known…George Jetson worked by himself with just robots. I am guessing his former co-workers were replaced with machines (I do envy one hour a day – 2 days a week work schedule though).

I am a huge fan of technology. I may not say that in 20 years when all the younger people are more adept than I, but for now, a fan. It has made all of our lives easier, maybe better, in some way. It has changed everything.

It never crossed my mind as being scary, frightening or threatening . And I am not sure it is now, at least not yet. While watching 60 Minutes last night, I realized it becomes more frightening when it starts to affect people and their livelihood. Technology is becoming a staggering part of the American workforce. I know you are going to say that people need to adapt and find a place to fit in the ‘new’ economy. I get that, but we are in a very trying economic time and it makes me question the benefits. Most facets of the economy are on the rebound – corporate profits, the housing market, stock market, etc. The one that seems to be lagging behind is employment of actual people.

The introvert in me is a bit excited at less interaction but the extrovert in me dies a little inside. I am not sure what will happen next. I guess that is up to Apple and Google. I just hope that like old fashion trends, people come back in style too.

What is the next step for our workforce?

Brought to you by Mills Apartments
Photo courtesy of PBS

Melissa DeCicco

Melissa is a wiz at crazy facial expressions, often suffers from singing tourettes, and loves super uncomfortable shoes. A dedicated Dolly Parton fan, she purchased Dollywood season passes several years in a row (it’s 500 miles away) and finally met her in 2004 – she ROCKS!

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  • http://mbrewergroup.com mbrewer

    I am with you on this. For all the good their is a ton of evil that can come out of less human interaction.
    To speak to your last question – I think the economy continues a very sluggish recovery or it does not recover at all. Companies have learned to run lean over the last ten years. And short sighted politicians will forever hold American hostage to their personal aims.
    I plan to retire to a foreign country that has not yet caught the virus of way forward leaning technology. Despite the fact that I embrace it now, I yearn for a simpler life.

    • http://www.millsapartments.net/neighborhoods Melissa DeCicco

      I agree that companies have learned to run lean – the problem is, I don’t think they have any intention to change even if the economy improves. There is no way you are going to tell an owner they should hire more people and make less money if he/she knows it can be done with less people. You sacrifice happiness.

      • http://mbrewergroup.com mbrewer

        I think you are 100% spot on. It’s a sad fact – the soft side of business does not sell well in the corner office.

  • Jessica

    This makes me sad. People are important. And while I love certain aspects of technology, customer service through an automated voice service or buying a product in a store through a kiosk, in my opinion, is unacceptable.

  • http://mbrewergroup.com mbrewer