Quote:
Originally Posted by Milt Schmidt
It's not exactly a secret that when new technologies emerge lots of people view them with suspicion and fear, it's a pretty common theme in histories of frontiers. Here's little link talking about how the telegraph was viewed as, to use your words, "permanent worldwide connectivity," you can find similar articles for tv, radio
http://www.idehist.uu.se/distans/ilm...f-neuman02.htm
The point is that the arguments that you're making are quite similar to arguments that against earlier technologies. You may be right, it may turn out that Google Glasses or a similar product will be extremely destructive to the way we interact socially. But I doubt it. I think Azure has hit the nail on the head in his post. You are, however, in good company with Thoreau who also doubted communications technology.
I probably don't have to point out the irony that we're discussing this on an internet forum...
Milt |
the ironic part is that this wasn't condescending and it was logical. That is rare. I disagree, but understand where you're coming from. I think embracing technology without scrutiny is a possible mistake when you consider the exponential growth of technology along with the health risks. I'm not willing to sacrifice social interaction, privacy and my health for convenience. After doing quite a bit of research I've come to believe (not 100% sure) that constantly being connected to the internet and being around/touching and interacting with technology has a detrimental effect on brain function. The hydrocarbon compounds found in keyboards/plastics, the constant overstimulation and the electromagnetic fields all pose possible health risks. During my psyche degrees we studied FMRI's that showed how cell phone use effects the brain, having a set of glasses that is constantly receiving and sending information while being around hundreds of other people could cause serious health risks.
I'm not saying one way is innately bad and the other is perfect. I'm just saying the risk is there, there is substantial science that points towards there being negative health effects. Why not be cautious instead of standing in line the first day to get the newest and best cell phone technology? People said thalidomide was safe, having an EMR emitter directly beside ones brain while providing continuous stimulation may be a bad thing.