shikora.org

There was question posted on craigslist recently that coincided with some discussions I’ve had with people recently. I figured I’d try and answer it here.

The question is: “The rapid increase in computing technology has greatly benefited mankind in many obvious ways. However, over-reliance on programs and formulas has also allowed for disastrous financial strategies such as credit default swaps. How do you strike a balance between the benefits and risks of computing technology’s growing role in our daily lives?”

My answer isn’t really cut and dry, but more the start of a conversation. Computer technology is just a tool, another tool in a long list of disruptive tools created and used throughout human history. It is how we use the tools that determines our quality of life, both as individuals and as a society. Tools do not change the essential nature of being, that is created by our actions to ourselves and others. As an example, it wasn’t financial instruments that caused the mortgage crises, it was people using them in unethical and illegal ways. The real question isn’t how we strike a balance with technology, any more then we need to strike a balance with hammers and can openers. The balance we have to find is within ourselves. That balance will be reflected in how we use the tools around us and what we accomplish with them.