Interesting thread and probably no "right" answer. I know it's already been mentioned but I've thoroughly enjoyed the irony of people complaining about social media and targeted adverts on a social media site full of targeted adverts (unless you're, y'know.....). But I've done this myself, complaining about Musk and moving from X to bluesky and it's Musk where some of the nuance lies. Very often people complaining about tech aren't really complaining about it at all (especially as they're almost certainly using it). They're complaining about the message and lifestyle it delivers.
Tech can be a force for good. It's absolutely true that heat pumps, smart meters and EVs are better for the environment than gas guzzling Volvos, coal fired power stations and non-recycled plastics. Only conservatives seem to be harking back to an era where the latter were used. And this is the Musk conundrum. On one hand a Bond villain using algorithms to push lies, conspiracy theory and neo-fascism. On the other a guy who developed an iconic EV and is following the human desire for exploration by pushing into space.
Ultimately tech is good and non tech is good. My morning routine involves both and, without it, my mental health would deteriorate immensely. The alarm goes on my smart phone, I wake up and I do a word puzzle on my smartphone to wake my brain up. Then I put the phone away and for the next 90 minutes or so I walk with a beautiful and crazy furry creature, I meet other people out walking, some with creatures and some without, and talk to them and the only "tech" I use is a lead and a tennis ball.
That goes for tech firms too. Heard of Wipro? Just another Indian services and tech co powered by globalisation right? Wrong. Also one of the most philanthropic organisations in the world dedicated to giving 66% of its economic ownership to good causes. That's more than most charities.
Balance is absolutely possible and it's nonsense to suggest anything else IMO.
Tech can be a force for good. It's absolutely true that heat pumps, smart meters and EVs are better for the environment than gas guzzling Volvos, coal fired power stations and non-recycled plastics. Only conservatives seem to be harking back to an era where the latter were used. And this is the Musk conundrum. On one hand a Bond villain using algorithms to push lies, conspiracy theory and neo-fascism. On the other a guy who developed an iconic EV and is following the human desire for exploration by pushing into space.
Ultimately tech is good and non tech is good. My morning routine involves both and, without it, my mental health would deteriorate immensely. The alarm goes on my smart phone, I wake up and I do a word puzzle on my smartphone to wake my brain up. Then I put the phone away and for the next 90 minutes or so I walk with a beautiful and crazy furry creature, I meet other people out walking, some with creatures and some without, and talk to them and the only "tech" I use is a lead and a tennis ball.
That goes for tech firms too. Heard of Wipro? Just another Indian services and tech co powered by globalisation right? Wrong. Also one of the most philanthropic organisations in the world dedicated to giving 66% of its economic ownership to good causes. That's more than most charities.
Balance is absolutely possible and it's nonsense to suggest anything else IMO.
