The role of technology in shaping human society

Abstract

Mankind has not changed biologically throughout history but human society is undergoing continuous development through the harnessing of information and knowledge in the form of various technologies which have affected our value systems, power structures, everyday routines and environment. In an attempt to understand what drives this development, this article suggests that rules, chance and the role of the individual all affect the outcome. The main conclusion is that future society will be divided between those living in either physical or virtual reality and that we are heading towards unprecedented turmoil where there may be much suffering to do before we find a new equilibrium. It is important to distinguish between real options and the unavoidable, in addition to individual deeds, to reach a general consensus enabling progress.

Citation

Linturi, R. (2000), "The role of technology in shaping human society", Foresight, Vol. 2 No. 2, pp. 183-188. https://doi.org/10.1108/14636680010802636