Why Technological Progress Not a Clear Social Good

Why Technological Progress is not a Clear Social Good
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Why Technological Progress is not a Clear Social Good

Introduction

            Governments and businesses promote the idea that technological progress is good for social progress. Among the key ways of ranking developed nations, besides economic and military superiority, is the idea of technological advancement. Today, technology, directly or indirectly, affects all spheres of life, from communication, education, health care to the food we consume. The importance of technology is not questionable, and often, in almost all arguments, the benefits of technological progress seem to outweigh its shortcomings (Mormina, 2018). Furthermore thus, technological progress has become a key feature of description when defining progress, superior societies, and the concept of civilization. Societies that still rely on ancient techniques, innovations, methodologies, and processes in key sectors like health care, education, and agriculture are considered backward. In contrast, those who oppose the current state of technological advancement are considered inept to the inevitable change and, therefore, ignorant of technological progress's social good (Jimenez, 2019). However, the idea of technological progress as a social good does more harm than good to the well-being of the majority on the planet 

Arguments by Technological Progress Proponents

            They say that technological progress is – yay! – a clear social good because it solves social problems and provided opportunities for social progress. For instance, the industrial

revolution consisted of industrial technologies that enabled the mass production of goods that consumers could choose from. A key advantage here was that the new machines and equipment created employment opportunities that helped improve living standards. Technological developments in the medical field have helped reduce mortality rates and increase life expectancy. Developments in communication have made the world a global village enabling people to collaborate and share different development ideas. Transport from one country to another now takes only hours making the modern society far much connected than any other known society on the planet.

Essentially, technology has solved key societal problems in communication, transport, healthcare, education, food production, and leisure. Proponents further argue that technological progress creates more opportunities for social progress. For instance, in recent years, social media has developed into a potent weapon for protests and demonstrations that call for social change. For instance, in the recent Black Lives Matter Movement, social media was a key feature through which hashtags ...