The Grand Finale

    Technology is here to stay, so we might as well make the most of it.  Right?  But how does one accomplish this?  From history, we have seen the evolution of technology in regards to music, television, gaming, and computing systems.  Just like everything in this current world, technology should be treated with respect.  

"If we continue to develop out technology without wisdom or prudence, out servant may prove to be our executioner." ~ Omar Bradley (General, US Army) (Szczerba, 2022).

    I think that this a very important point, making something that can make the lives of its users easier so that they have the time to enjoy hobbies and their family.  However, pushing technology too far could have devastating results.  

    This scene from I, Robot, the robots realized that humanity needed either a 'babysitter' or death.  They killed anyone or thing that could protect humans from their control.  Even the creator realized early on that he was on longer in control and therefore had to send a message for help.

    Technology has a greatly improved the way of life for those that utilize it fully.  It is not all doom and gloom, but it's also not all butterflies and rainbows.  Technology is a tool, and it end product is determined based on what the user does with it.  Sure ChatGPT can write codes, and create deep fakes, but someone (a person) has to tell it to do so.  

    People have a social responsibility to be careful when it comes to the development and usage of technology.  Hazards that could have been avoided in the workplace and in personal lives.  For example, Apollo 1 and Apollo 13 were both considered failures.  Apollo 1 because it exploded after a flash fire combined with the 100% oxygen atmosphere NASA used killing the entire crew.  This incident caused NASA to rework many of it's spacecraft's systems and the overall program.  Apollo 13 because the crew never made it to the moon, there was an explosion that disabled the ship.  A switch and insulation were damaged during testing, when turned on it exploded and taking most the power from the command module.  The crew was able to landed back on earth safely (NASA, n.d.).  NASA had more successful missions, because they took the failures of their technology and improved on them.  

    To improve users need to acknowledge the risks that are associated with technology.  Technology can be used to make some incredible things but it can also be a destructive force.  But it's not technology that is good or evil, people will use technology for their own means.  

    Another way users can improve with technology is to take the time to learn how to properly use it.  I was watching Ghosts (the American adaption - I already watched the British version) and there was a couple that was writing wicked reviews on Yelp! thinking that it was anonymous.  The younger couple had to prove that everyone could see what they posted and that THEY had posted it.  People need to realize their nothing wrong with not knowing how to use something new.  We all have to learn how to walk.  

References

NASA. (n.d.) Apollo missions. NASA. https://www.nasa.gov/specials/apollo50th/missions.html.

Ravevgine. (2018, August 03). I, Robot |2004| Battle Scene. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvRZogigTtQ.

Szczerba, R. (2022, April 14). 20 great technology quotes to inspire, amaze, and amuse. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/robertszczerba/2015/02/09/20-great-technology-quotes-to-inspire-amaze-and-amuse/.