In the Year of Our Simulation 2024, it is commonly believed that people have never been better at hating digital technology. This sentiment is supported by research papers, bestsellers, and statistics, and even the younger generation is said to be killing themselves because of technology. However, one exception to this trend is the argument put forth by modern-day philosophers.
These philosophers, unlike the typical technophobes, are deeply learned and skilled at breaking down complex problems. They argue that when we strip away everything else and break down technology into its basic components, we are left with bits of digital computation. And these bits, they claim, tell us everything about the world and enforce a binary way of thinking.
But this argument does not sit well with me. While I may have agreed with it in the past, I am now bothered and unsatisfied by it. The more I think about it, the less I am convinced. There are two main reasons for my dissatisfaction.
Firstly, this argument overlooks the fact that technology is constantly evolving and changing. It is not just about bits and binary thinking, but also about the endless possibilities and potential for creativity and innovation. To reduce it to just bits is to ignore its complexity and potential.
Secondly, this argument ignores the role of human agency and choice in how we use technology. We are not passive recipients of technology, but active agents who can shape and control its impact on our lives. It is not technology itself that is the problem, but how we choose to use it.
In conclusion, while the argument against technology put forth by modern-day philosophers may seem compelling at first, it ultimately falls short. It fails to consider the ever-changing nature of technology and the role of human agency in its use. As an expert Tech journalist, I am bothered by this oversimplification and urge others to think critically about the role of technology in our lives.
