The dark side of technology
We face a new dark age because we are losing control over technology, a new book argues
A romantic vision of technology is dangerous. The assumption that it’s an enabler, liberating knowledge and facilitating growth, is fallacious. James Bridle’s new book, New Dark Age: Technology and the End of the Future (Verso), presents evidence of technology’s shadowing effect on the planet, our bodies, minds, morals — and our future.Bridle, an artist and computer-and cognitive scientist, isn’t beguiled by algorithms. Probing the modern world’s machinery and data to decipher its impact, he discerns intriguing, troubling connections and uncovers much that is obscured: amorphous, hyper-connected digital networks, pervasive military-intelligence surveillance, and incognito applications of artificial intelligence. Global systems rely on a vast infrastructure of undersea cables, orbiting satellites, and underground fibre optics. Hidden from view, their mechanisms confound understanding.Global warming is warning us: technology is playing brinkmanship with mother earth. We experience thi...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.