The Dual Faces of Technology in Modern Society

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2023/08/21
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Our lives are inextricably linked with technology; in today's rapidly evolving world, each individual finds themselves deeply embedded within technological frameworks, leading to an ever-increasing demand for technological advancements. We rely on technology for virtually everything, from travel, education, and communication, to conducting business and enhancing our comfort of living. However, like all things, technology comes with its own set of advantages and drawbacks, raising important concerns about its role in our lives. The most significant challenge for society is to envision the kind of future we desire and to develop technologies that will streamline our daily activities without compromising our values.

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Numerous authors have delved into technology-related issues, offering diverse perspectives. Among them are Robin Hanson and Stephen Colbert, whose works address technology from varying angles. Hanson’s exploration in "What would happen if we upload our Brains to Computers" and Colbert’s discussion in "The Scraping Of Internet Privacy: Something We Can All Hate Together" both tackle technological themes, yet they do so in contrasting directions.

Embracing the Future: Robin Hanson's Vision

Robin Hanson encourages audiences to consider the implications of deeper technological integration, particularly the potential of brain uploads. His approach contrasts starkly with Stephen Colbert's emphasis on the importance of limiting technological reliance for privacy concerns. Through his video "What would happen if we upload our brains to computers," Hanson effectively employs rhetorical strategies to engage and persuade his audience about the potential and challenges of such futuristic technology.

Hanson, an associate professor of economics at George Mason University, is known for his unconventional ideas that challenge societal norms. His blog presses readers to reflect on cultural taboos and ideological constraints that hinder optimal decision-making. His book, "The Age of Em," imagines a future where human brains are meticulously scanned to create dynamic, executable models of the brain on artificial hardware. This scenario envisions machines that emulate human cognition, potentially taking over economic roles, thus prompting humans to reconsider their own societal roles.

The target audience for Hanson’s presentation includes those attending TED conferences and viewers of his YouTube video. The primary goal is to raise awareness about emerging technologies and their potential benefits for humanity. Hanson paints a picture of a future where 'ems'—robots that emulate human brains—could dominate the global economy, operating on super-fast computers capable of multitasking. This futuristic vision encourages the audience to imagine a world where humans may choose to retire, leaving economic tasks to these advanced machines.

Hanson effectively uses rhetorical strategies such as logos, pathos, and ethos to convey his message. He appeals to logic (logos) by comparing the efficiency of human tasks with those performed by ems, highlighting the potential for ems to replicate themselves for multitasking. Emotional appeal (pathos) is utilized when he describes the possibility of humans enjoying more leisure time if ems become commonplace. Hanson’s credibility (ethos) is established through his discussion of the speed and efficiency of ems compared to human brains. Additionally, Hanson subtly promotes his book "The Age of Em" as a further exploration of these ideas, showcasing his marketing acumen.

Caution in the Digital Age: Stephen Colbert’s Perspective

Stephen Colbert, in "The Scraping Of Internet Privacy: Something We Can All Hate Together," addresses the darker side of technological advancement—specifically, privacy invasion. As an American comedian and television host, Colbert employs satire to critique how internet companies compromise personal privacy by selling browsing history to third parties.

Colbert's audience includes attendees of his show and online viewers of the episode. His objective is to alert people to the risks of trusting internet companies with personal data and to encourage vigilance in protecting privacy. He highlights the disturbing reality that even after deleting browsing history, companies can retain and sell this information, often unbeknownst to users. This revelation serves as a wake-up call for individuals to be more cautious about their online activities.

Colbert also employs rhetorical strategies like logos, pathos, and ethos. He uses logical reasoning (logos) to explain the potential for blackmail using personal data. Emotional appeal (pathos) is evident when he expresses frustration over government policies enabling such privacy invasions, exemplified by his comedic act of burning a computer. Colbert establishes credibility (ethos) through his engagement with the audience, highlighting their shared reliance on the internet and the consequent risks involved. While his satire effectively communicates the message, some may argue that the focus occasionally shifts away from the core issue.

Weighing Technological Impact on Society

Both Hanson and Colbert tackle the pervasive influence of technology, yet they diverge in their perspectives. Hanson advocates for embracing technological evolution, envisioning a future where brain uploads could enhance efficiency and innovation. Conversely, Colbert warns against over-reliance on technology, particularly due to privacy concerns posed by internet companies exploiting personal data.

Despite their differing viewpoints, both authors highlight critical aspects of technology's role in society. Hanson’s rhetorical approach may resonate more with audiences due to his structured and supportive arguments. Although Colbert's satirical style is engaging, it occasionally diverges from the central topic, potentially diminishing its persuasive impact.

In conclusion, the discourse surrounding technology remains multifaceted. While Hanson and Colbert present contrasting views, their works collectively underscore the need to navigate technological advancements thoughtfully, balancing innovation with ethical considerations. As society grapples with the dual faces of technology, the conversation continues to evolve, inviting further reflection and dialogue.

This rewritten essay enhances the original by elaborating on the authors' arguments, providing additional context and examples, and ensuring a seamless flow of ideas. The word count has been increased to provide a more comprehensive analysis.

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The Dual Faces of Technology in Modern Society. (2023, Aug 21). Retrieved from https://papersowl.com/examples/impact-of-science-and-technology-on-society-robin-hanson-and-stephen-colbert/