Denis Hackett M.Sc. - Has Technology Lost it's Way - M.Sc., B.Sc., MICS

Has TechnologyHas Technology
Lost its WayLost its Way

Technology has improved the lives of almost
everyone, and has been doing so for many years.
During this time it has undergone numerous
transformations, from the early days of the
Telegraph, to Mobile Telephony, The Internet, and
more recently Cloud Computing.
We are now entering what could beWe are now entering what could be
called Phase II of the Technology revolution.called Phase II of the Technology revolution.
Where past innovations provide a platformWhere past innovations provide a platform
for the development of new applications,for the development of new applications,
such as Artificial Intelligence, Advancedsuch as Artificial Intelligence, Advanced
Robotics, and Virtual Reality.Robotics, and Virtual Reality.
Technology Phase ITechnology Phase I

Technology Phase IITechnology Phase II
Phase II however, would appear to differPhase II however, would appear to differ
in some ways from Phase I (past applications).in some ways from Phase I (past applications).
Most of the advances associated with Phase IMost of the advances associated with Phase I
were developed to address needs within Society,were developed to address needs within Society,
i.e. Improved Communications, Improvedi.e. Improved Communications, Improved
Healthcare, and generally improved lifestyles.Healthcare, and generally improved lifestyles.
With Phase II, the needs of society do not appear to be the primary driving force.
Many current developments would appear to be based on a “Because We Can”
philosophy rather than a “Because we need it“ philosophy.
Could this new approach lead to applications with reduced benefitsCould this new approach lead to applications with reduced benefits
for society, and perhaps undesirable side-effects?for society, and perhaps undesirable side-effects?

If we take the areas of Robotics, lately we areIf we take the areas of Robotics, lately we are
hearing quite a lot about the development ofhearing quite a lot about the development of
advanced robotic systems.advanced robotic systems.
This field of investigation aims to increase theThis field of investigation aims to increase the
capabilities of these machines to include taskscapabilities of these machines to include tasks
that currently require Humans.that currently require Humans.
If these predictions are accurate, it will bring major changesIf these predictions are accurate, it will bring major changes
to society as we know it.to society as we know it.
Gartner Incorporated, The well-known American research and advisory firm
predicted that by 2018, 50% of the fastest-growing companies will have
fewer smart employees than smart machines.
A recent discussion on National Radio made reference to a report that 47% of
all jobs will be automated within the next two decades.
RoboticsRobotics

The arguments in favour of widespread deployment of Robots toThe arguments in favour of widespread deployment of Robots to
replace humans would include the following:replace humans would include the following:
The thinking being, Robots just do the job, therefore whyThe thinking being, Robots just do the job, therefore why
should we not replace human workers with robotsshould we not replace human workers with robots
• Robots are less expensive
• They don’t require coffee breaksThey don’t require coffee breaks
• They don’t require holidaysThey don’t require holidays
• They don’t strikeThey don’t strike
• They don’t argueThey don’t argue
RoboticsRobotics

Our initial thoughts might be, well that doesOur initial thoughts might be, well that does
sound reasonable. However, we must alsosound reasonable. However, we must also
consider some other aspects of this process.consider some other aspects of this process.
For example, employment is an intrinsic partFor example, employment is an intrinsic part
of human society, it’s how we earn income,of human society, it’s how we earn income,
which enables us to buy things which thenwhich enables us to buy things which then
Provides income for shop owners.Provides income for shop owners.
This income also enables us to buy cars, and go on vacations, whichThis income also enables us to buy cars, and go on vacations, which
then provides income for the auto and travel industries.then provides income for the auto and travel industries.
If a large proportion of jobs are taken by robots, this affects not onlyIf a large proportion of jobs are taken by robots, this affects not only
the unemployed worker, but all of these other industries also.the unemployed worker, but all of these other industries also.
RoboticsRobotics

Another highly relevant issue here is that governmentsAnother highly relevant issue here is that governments
get income via various forms of tax from all of thisget income via various forms of tax from all of this
employment and consumer spending.employment and consumer spending.
If this tax intake is removed, how will this impact aIf this tax intake is removed, how will this impact a
Government’s ability to provide funding for hospitals,Government’s ability to provide funding for hospitals,
schools, roads, and all other public servicesschools, roads, and all other public services
Bill Gates, a person very knowledgeable in this area, proposedBill Gates, a person very knowledgeable in this area, proposed
that in order to address this problem, Robots should be taxedthat in order to address this problem, Robots should be taxed ..
While this may alleviate the reduced tax intake from employees, it willWhile this may alleviate the reduced tax intake from employees, it will
not address the issue of consumer spending, as our Robotnot address the issue of consumer spending, as our Robot
cousins don’t require cars, holidays, or fancy suits.cousins don’t require cars, holidays, or fancy suits.
RoboticsRobotics

We could even take the robot efficiency argumentWe could even take the robot efficiency argument
a little further and ask, why don’t we replace alla little further and ask, why don’t we replace all
our pets with robots.our pets with robots.
Robot pets don’t require food, vet bills, grooming,Robot pets don’t require food, vet bills, grooming,
and they won’t shred your furniture.and they won’t shred your furniture.
This provides a similar argument (for replacing pets) to that provided for
replacing human workers, with robots. How would we feel if legislation was
introduced that said all pets must be replaced by robot pets within 2 years?
I imagine that proposal would encounter significant oppositionI imagine that proposal would encounter significant opposition
RoboticsRobotics

The predictions of robots replacing human workers may, or may not,The predictions of robots replacing human workers may, or may not,
come to pass, however it does raise one interesting question.come to pass, however it does raise one interesting question.
Who is making this decision?Who is making this decision?
If we were to ask our Government or World leaders,
“is this going to happen?”
You will likely receive a response to the effect of
“I don’t know, but I’ve heard that prediction.”
If our leaders are not making the decision to replace largeIf our leaders are not making the decision to replace large
amounts of jobs with robots, who is?amounts of jobs with robots, who is?
RoboticsRobotics

This would appear to be a case of TechnologyThis would appear to be a case of Technology
deciding the path of Human Society.deciding the path of Human Society.
Is this something we wish to have?Is this something we wish to have?
There is no doubt technology has provided great benefits for society, and hasThere is no doubt technology has provided great benefits for society, and has
the potential to continue doing so. However, it could be argued that ourthe potential to continue doing so. However, it could be argued that our
current efforts are misplaced.current efforts are misplaced.
In the past, we developed technologies because we needed them.In the past, we developed technologies because we needed them.
In the case of Advanced Robotics, we already have humans, so why are we spending billionsIn the case of Advanced Robotics, we already have humans, so why are we spending billions
trying to build things we already have, especially when those we build will most likelytrying to build things we already have, especially when those we build will most likely
never match those we already have.never match those we already have.
RoboticsRobotics

 Education and Learning
 Efficiency in Energy usage
 Detection and Prevention of Disease
 Assistance with combating Pollution
 Protection of our Elderly and our Young
Would advances in these areas not benefit society more than trying to buildWould advances in these areas not benefit society more than trying to build
mechanical humans, which may remove millions of jobs, greatly reducemechanical humans, which may remove millions of jobs, greatly reduce
government Tax intake, and possibly diminish many industries.government Tax intake, and possibly diminish many industries.
There are many other areas where we could focus our efforts that would beThere are many other areas where we could focus our efforts that would be
more beneficial to society. Should we instead be looking to deploy advancedmore beneficial to society. Should we instead be looking to deploy advanced
technologies to improve areas such as:technologies to improve areas such as:
Perhaps our Governments and Leaders need to consider the issues raisedPerhaps our Governments and Leaders need to consider the issues raised
above before our Robot cousins take over, at which point it is too late.above before our Robot cousins take over, at which point it is too late.
RoboticsRobotics

This topic of Computer Replication of the HumanThis topic of Computer Replication of the Human
Brain has attracted considerable interest in recentBrain has attracted considerable interest in recent
years. Some commentators predict it will bring theyears. Some commentators predict it will bring the
biggest ever change to Human Society.biggest ever change to Human Society.
There is little doubt that computers can surpassThere is little doubt that computers can surpass
humans in some areas, for example mathematicalhumans in some areas, for example mathematical
calculations or data processing.calculations or data processing.
However, are there limitations to what can be achieved with A.I.,However, are there limitations to what can be achieved with A.I.,
are there areas of the Human that cannot be replicated by machines.are there areas of the Human that cannot be replicated by machines.
Computers can produce results in a fraction of the time taken by humans,
and those results can be vastly superior in terms of accuracy.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCEARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

During our years of Human experiences we learn toDuring our years of Human experiences we learn to
create (Art, Music, etc.), appreciate, like, dislike,create (Art, Music, etc.), appreciate, like, dislike,
empathize, build relationships, etc. Each visit weempathize, build relationships, etc. Each visit we
make to the shopping centre, or a local festival,make to the shopping centre, or a local festival,
all contribute to our Human Experience.all contribute to our Human Experience.
Computers don’t have the Human Experience. Is itComputers don’t have the Human Experience. Is it
therefore even practical to attempt to replicatetherefore even practical to attempt to replicate
Humans in these areas (creativity, empathy, etc.) ?Humans in these areas (creativity, empathy, etc.) ?
The Human Experience
For example, if we were to ask one of the most advanced computersFor example, if we were to ask one of the most advanced computers
available today to compose a symphony, would it be successful?available today to compose a symphony, would it be successful?

If the computer was programmed to recognise musicalIf the computer was programmed to recognise musical
notation, structure, and form, would the end resultnotation, structure, and form, would the end result
be comparable to a symphony composed by humans.be comparable to a symphony composed by humans.
For the purposes of this analysis, let’s assume itFor the purposes of this analysis, let’s assume it
was indistinguishable from those created by Humans.was indistinguishable from those created by Humans.
An additional test that might cause problems for the
computer would be, if it was asked to describe why it
created the symphony as it did.
What were its motivations, what were the underlying
emotions. Would this output be somewhat spurious?

Again, for the sake of this discussion, let’s
assume the computer was programmed to
answer that specific question using a set of
pre-defined textual responses. In this case
the output may appear reasonable.
In the above scenario, the Computer’s response is not based on its
understanding or appreciation of the musical piece, but is simply based
on information previously supplied by the systems programmer.
However, this may in fact show that the computer has failed this task.

 But will they carry out photosynthesis, No.But will they carry out photosynthesis, No.
 Will they produce nectar and attract bees, No.Will they produce nectar and attract bees, No.
This most likely will also be the case when trying to replicate the finer
elements of Human Beings using computers.
To Use an AnalogyTo Use an Analogy
If we take an Artificial Flower, we can makeIf we take an Artificial Flower, we can make
them look like real flowers, feel like realthem look like real flowers, feel like real
flowers, even smell like real flowers.flowers, even smell like real flowers.
Our best sciences cannot yet explain the nature of Human Consciousness,
Awareness, or indeed Intelligence. If we try to reproduce these aspects of theIf we try to reproduce these aspects of the
Human, using machines, we will in fact be attempting to replicate things thatHuman, using machines, we will in fact be attempting to replicate things that
we don’t yet fully understand ourselves.we don’t yet fully understand ourselves.

For example, If we take the areas ofFor example, If we take the areas of
Psychiatry and Military Leadership, bothPsychiatry and Military Leadership, both
of which require considerable knowledgeof which require considerable knowledge
of the Human Condition and Humanof the Human Condition and Human
Society. Could A.I. be applied successfullySociety. Could A.I. be applied successfully
in these areas?in these areas?
In the case of Psychiatry, failure could
have catastrophic consequences for the
Individual concerned.
In the case of Military Leadership, failure
could have catastrophic consequences
for mankind.

There is a phrase, attributed to Einstein, on the part he played in theThere is a phrase, attributed to Einstein, on the part he played in the
United States development of the Atomic bomb,United States development of the Atomic bomb,
Given our incomplete understanding of the Human mind,Given our incomplete understanding of the Human mind,
we must be cautious when working in areas such aswe must be cautious when working in areas such as
Artificial Intelligence that we don’t attempt to build thingsArtificial Intelligence that we don’t attempt to build things
that are beyond our reach and in so doing create our ownthat are beyond our reach and in so doing create our own
monsters.monsters.
““ I’ve Created a MonsterI’ve Created a Monster ””
While we certainly can benefit from systems that perform Advanced DataWhile we certainly can benefit from systems that perform Advanced Data
Analyses, we must not mistake this for recreating the Human Mind.Analyses, we must not mistake this for recreating the Human Mind.

There are already a number of technological Frankenstein’s in our midst, forThere are already a number of technological Frankenstein’s in our midst, for
example Cyber Crime, and Cyber Bullying, both of which have becomeexample Cyber Crime, and Cyber Bullying, both of which have become
considerable problems for society.considerable problems for society.
Unfortunately we must take some
responsibility for these problems.
While we didn’t intentionally create
them, we did enable them by virtue of
the technologies we developed.
Let’s hope when working with future technologies weLet’s hope when working with future technologies we
don’t enable more Frankenstein’sdon’t enable more Frankenstein’s

We must also emphasise thatWe must also emphasise that
Technology itself is not the problemTechnology itself is not the problem
It will only do what we design it to do.It will only do what we design it to do.
The critical issue is that we humans continue, as we did inThe critical issue is that we humans continue, as we did in
the past, to develop technologies that benefit society.the past, to develop technologies that benefit society.

 Education & LearningEducation & Learning
 Detection and Prevention of DiseaseDetection and Prevention of Disease
 Assistance with Pollution ControlAssistance with Pollution Control
 Improved efficiency in Energy usageImproved efficiency in Energy usage
 Protection of our Elderly and our ChildrenProtection of our Elderly and our Children
Would society not benefit more from the above applications rather than trying toWould society not benefit more from the above applications rather than trying to
recreate the Human Mind?recreate the Human Mind?
As stated earlier, there are numerous areas where we could utilise futureAs stated earlier, there are numerous areas where we could utilise future
technologies that would bring many benefits, such as:technologies that would bring many benefits, such as:

Advanced communication devices are a significant element in the lives of almostAdvanced communication devices are a significant element in the lives of almost
everyone today. However, is there need for caution at how some of these advanceseveryone today. However, is there need for caution at how some of these advances
are currently being utilized.are currently being utilized.
A major segment of society today views the world almost exclusively through OnlineA major segment of society today views the world almost exclusively through Online
Media, with each new “App” becoming a way of life for our younger generations.Media, with each new “App” becoming a way of life for our younger generations.
Being Online in itself is not even enough,Being Online in itself is not even enough,
teenagers today feel they must beteenagers today feel they must be
uploading or posting on a frequent basis,uploading or posting on a frequent basis,
and for many their biggest fear is losingand for many their biggest fear is losing
their Smart-Phone.their Smart-Phone.
This has given rise to a number of concerns with regard to the impact of theseThis has given rise to a number of concerns with regard to the impact of these
new technologies.new technologies.
ONLINE MEDIAONLINE MEDIA

One such concern is reports that young people now feel pressurised to play theirOne such concern is reports that young people now feel pressurised to play their
part in the tidal wave of Online information flow, with the result that many are nowpart in the tidal wave of Online information flow, with the result that many are now
experiencing stress-related issues due to the information overload.experiencing stress-related issues due to the information overload.
Another concern is that, while our younger generations may be highly interactive inAnother concern is that, while our younger generations may be highly interactive in
terms of online platforms, they may be missing out in other areas, as shown below.terms of online platforms, they may be missing out in other areas, as shown below.
Life after the Smart-PhoneLife before the Smart-Phone

ConditioningConditioning
Possibly the greatest cause for concern withPossibly the greatest cause for concern with
regard to this new Online phenomenon is theregard to this new Online phenomenon is the
conditioning of our younger generations.conditioning of our younger generations.
If we continuously bombard them with massiveIf we continuously bombard them with massive
amounts of information, with such a narrowamounts of information, with such a narrow
spectrum of content, are we thereby formattingspectrum of content, are we thereby formatting
those generations to think in those samethose generations to think in those same
narrow spectrums.narrow spectrums.
Can creativity, individualism, and innovation (of the non-digital type),Can creativity, individualism, and innovation (of the non-digital type),
survive this binary onslaught.survive this binary onslaught.

Given that these Digital platforms are a relativelyGiven that these Digital platforms are a relatively
new phenomena, and their extensive use amongnew phenomena, and their extensive use among
our younger generations, are we in the early stagesour younger generations, are we in the early stages
of a massive social experiment, the results of whichof a massive social experiment, the results of which
are, at this point in time, unknown.are, at this point in time, unknown.
All of the greatest achievements in human history came from getting informationAll of the greatest achievements in human history came from getting information
out of the Human Mind, not from cramming it in. For example:out of the Human Mind, not from cramming it in. For example:
The Panama Canal
The Hoover Dam
The Coliseum
The Theories of Relativity
Mozart
Shakespeare
None of the above required Mobile Phone Apps or Online MediaNone of the above required Mobile Phone Apps or Online Media

It is worth restating thatIt is worth restating that
Technology is Not the Problem.Technology is Not the Problem.
It will only do what we design it to do.It will only do what we design it to do.
By taking responsibility for, and control of, technology we can ensure that we continue toBy taking responsibility for, and control of, technology we can ensure that we continue to
utilise future advances for the betterment of Society, while also being vigilant for potentialutilise future advances for the betterment of Society, while also being vigilant for potential
dangers that could arise.dangers that could arise.
Technology is in fact one of the most exciting and rewarding areas of industryTechnology is in fact one of the most exciting and rewarding areas of industry
today, with millions employed in various technology related sectors, throughouttoday, with millions employed in various technology related sectors, throughout
most parts of the world. It is ourmost parts of the world. It is our responsibility to ensure we implementresponsibility to ensure we implement
technological advancements in beneficial and appropriate ways.technological advancements in beneficial and appropriate ways.
Technology Phase IIITechnology Phase III
Would we not be better served by deploying technology to protectWould we not be better served by deploying technology to protect
and advance Society rather than trying to replace it?and advance Society rather than trying to replace it?

Denis Hackett M.Sc. - Has Technology Lost it's Way - M.Sc., B.Sc., MICS

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