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Jiyoung Nam

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Technology, where should be its destination?

I think it is undeniable that technology is accelerating really fast.
And I think that the whole economy system will depend more and more on
the development of technology.
I believe that "the invisible hand" is what makes people to demand technology:
one's avarice to serve, comfort, and love oneself.

Imagine that , one day in the future, you received a gift from someone for your birthday! You have no idea what it's for, so you look at the manual.
Assume that it says, "It will realize whatever you want in the virtual reality; it will perfectly actualize the situation that you want in order to give you an ultimate pleasure for your entire life time! However, if you want to be part of this 'Utopia', you won't be able to communicate with your husband/wife, daughter, son, or your best friend because you will never be able to recognize the reality anymore :( "

What would you do? Would you give up your family and close friends?
Assume that the machine will keep detect your highest demand, so you will be able to see your family and friends in virtual reality, but your family and friends will actually lose you. They won't be able to talk to you. Simply, it's like living as a vegetable

You might think I have gone too far, or you might think I am a weird guy who watched the movie "the Matrix" too often. (I have watched it 'only' twice lol)
However, if someone had talked about i-phone 20 years ago, people would not response seriously. They would think he was insane.

My question is this!
I think technology is neutral.
But I believe that there are two ultimate destination that it can pursue:
selfish pleasure vs selfless love
Technology can be a great tool to assist either purpose which are inherent and compatible in every human's desire.

Where should be its destination?
How should it be used?
what is your opinion???

p.s. English is my second language, so there might be some grammatical errors :( If you had a hard time to understand above questions, sorry for that!!

Topics: economy incentive justice morality technology virtual reality
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  • jasreet singh

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    Sep 17 2012: "Technology", a word with 10 letters but afraid had to explain the use of letters.
    Its just like a quote 'What you give, that you get'

    The destination is not of technology its of the satisfaction of human beings.
    Believe or not, we want, we developed and we used.

    So, its not the destination of technology, its our destination!! Human mind is itself a technology!
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    Anna Gower

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    Sep 13 2012: Its purpose should be its function it is technology.
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    John Moonstroller 30+

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    Sep 11 2012: Technology should most certainly be used to mow the grass when you live in an HOA (Home Owners Association) area; if you're old and or disabled, you know what I mean.

    Technology should always be used to enhance the strength and knowledge of Humans in any endeavor (anything they want to do).

    I'm a firm student of J. C. R. Lickliter's ideas on the human computer symbiosis.

    I found a video on TED that reveals this technological integration: http://www.ted.com/talks/shyam_sankar_the_rise_of_human_computer_cooperation.html
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    Helen Hupe 30+

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    Sep 11 2012: Its purpose should be welfare of the world;s creatures. What else ?

  • Mercuro Chrome

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    Aug 30 2012: You are describing technology in a very strange way, at least different from my point of view. If you accept the definition of technology as the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, then you must also understand that the 'practical purposes' are virtually infinite. Thus, it would be a futile effort to even try to categorize it as "selfish pleasure" or "selfish love" for either choice is too narrow. I see technology as an expression of humanity and an extension of our minds, good, bad and ugly. Some will use it to kill, some will use it to heal, some will use it to steal and so on. The only limit to technology is our own scientific knowledge.

    • Jiyoung Nam

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      Aug 31 2012: well,,,I mentioned, "I think technology is neutral." I agree that technology is the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes. But as you stated, there are good and bad ways to use it. I wanted to question what would be the best way to use technology? I thought there should be a guideline on the value that we seek from technolgy; I didn't ask how should technology 'developed'. I guess I didn't make it clear enough since the title was " Technology, where should be its destination?" lol

      • Mercuro Chrome

        • +1
        Aug 31 2012: The best way to use technology is to use it for what it was built for. I mean you can use an ipad as a paper weight but why would you? You can also use a tomahawk missile as a means of transportation but it may be a bit dangerous...

        You are struggling with the intentions of men, technology has nothing to do with it.

        • Jiyoung Nam

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          Aug 31 2012: I guess you have a point :)
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    Robert Winner 50+

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    Aug 29 2012: Why should technology have a destination? Technology like life is a journey. Take the fork in the road. Enjoy the scenery. Smell the roses. We are just begining the technology journey. Don't put limits on its growth.

    All the best. Bob.

    • Jiyoung Nam

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      Aug 30 2012: Think about two atomic bombs that were dropped in Japan.
      Think about 9.11 and terrorists who are trying to possess the weapons of mass destruction.
      Technology is not just a game to play with.
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        Robert Winner 50+

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        Aug 30 2012: A knife can be used to cut up your food or to cut out your heart. Drugs can be used to cure a medical problem or to be abused. There is a ying and yang to everything. I would love to put my head in the sand and believe that nothing will be abused or used inapproperaitly but we both know that would be irresponsible.

        Technology is also responsible for many of the thing we enjoy. Without it we might well still be hunter gathers.

        Technology can be a game we play with. That is how we get spin offs. Many of the things we enjoy today are spinoffs from militray and NASA research.

        We can fear it or embrace it but it is here for better or worse.

        Bob.
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        John Moonstroller 30+

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        Sep 11 2012: Those are two notable examples, Jiyoung Nam.

        Remember, that which brought us bombs, also brought us electrical power to keep hospitals running, treat cancer, and other diseases.
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    Feyisayo Anjorin 50+

    • +3
    Aug 29 2012: Technology should serve humanity; human beings should not be slaves of technology.

  • Rhona Pavis 50+

    • +2
    Aug 28 2012: Technology should be used to accomplish any positive purpose.

    • Jiyoung Nam

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      Aug 28 2012: So I wanted to know what would be "positive" direction? :)

      • Rhona Pavis 50+

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        Aug 28 2012: Anything that elevates the well-being of people. I presume you can tell the difference between positive and negative. That is the only distinction I am making. If you have a need for more specificity, perhaps that would limit the development of technology, by forcing you to think along the single channel specified. I think, when it comes to creativity, it's best to be as open as possible. Serendipity happens.
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