Sunday, December 4, 2016
A Sci-Fi Reality
Neal Stephenson's book Snow Crash depicts a future where technology has over taken society to the point that humans can exist within the Metaverse, a virtual reality. This book, however painful for the non Sci-Fi lover, makes us look into the future. Although Stephenson's novel was written over a decade ago, and technology has vastly changed, its main message holds true. Advancements in technology cause security issues. Just look at the 2013 case of Edward Snowden release top US secrets.http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-23123964. This was a serious breach in our security all due to technology. As technology is more widely used by governments the more insecure our data becomes. There could easily be a "snow crash" that leaves the US with tops secrets hacked and that leaves our technological system and all the data on it, obliterated. Should we really be taking all these chances with technology? Technology leaves us with great opportunity and has added greatly to globalization. However, is this a good thing? I am sure the US takes great measures to protect data over technology but is it enough? I think that technology has expanded the definition of security. Technology poses a great threat.
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Emilia, does technology pose a threat in and of itself or only when data is leaked or shared? I'm confused by your connection between Snowcrash and Edward Snowden, because the threat of technology was so different in each case. Snowden released secrets and humans were existing as technology in Snowcrash. What is the threat here? Is it threatening enough to limit how far we should advance using technology?
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with Mary Grace on this issue. Technology has done a lot of good in the world. From the computers and technology helping Apollo 11 land on the moon to robots being used in factories to increase production. Is technology the threat or is it the people who control it? In my mind, the people that control the systems have more power than the computers. That being said, do I totally trust computers to assume all government data and become self-aware? no. Considering the pros and cons I would have to argue computers and data do more good than harm.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the increasing presence of technology in our society, particularly in government institutions is susceptible to breeches however, I would have to agree with Mary Grace and Joseph. Technology is a double edged sword, having both extreme positives and negatives. I think it is important to not downplay the great that technology has done and will do.
ReplyDeleteTechnology truly is a double edged sword, it poses many threats now and likely will in the future, however it is an even greater advantage to society. The increasing presence in society and in government is a natural effect of this, but I do think there is a distinction between what Snowden and Snowcrash.
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