In modern times, humans trust technology dearly. But humans have not always trusted technology like this. This is quite a recent development: people were filled with morbid uncertainty and scepticism when technology was first introduced.
As is common knowledge, technology was first introduced as machines in factories (it was not till much later that the use of technology was domesticised). People did not like this change and thought that the apparatuses would steal their jobs: textile workers in England protested against mechanized looms and knitting frames, fearing job losses, known as the Luddite Movement lasting from 1811 to 1816, the Swing Riots (1830) in rural England, where farm workers revolted against the use of threshing machines that reduced the need for manual labour.
Today, resistance to technological advancements continues, particularly regarding Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation. Concerns include job loss, privacy issues, and ethical considerations, which echo historical fears of inequality and exploitation.
On the other hand, most of us trust technology and have learnt to live with it, even if it is better than us at our job. Many employees today use digital tools to enhance their productivity and efficiency. If truth be told, everyone today uses technology and AI tools. Americans, it seems, have mixed feelings.
According to a 2024 survey from the Stevens Institute of Technology, many Americans believe that AI is not well-regulated, with concerns about potential misuse by individuals, governments, and businesses. Despite this, a growing number of people are using AI tools and recognizing their value. However, 44% believe the risks of these tools outweigh their benefits in the workforce.
World Economic Forum states that Americans show a blend of excitement and anxiety about technology’s rapid advances. While AI tools like ChatGPT, Bard, and Copilot have gained some confidence, public trust is highest for AI applications in fields like healthcare, education, and the military, where responsible use is more apparent. About 42% of employed Americans foresee their jobs being impacted by AI, reflecting both optimism for new efficiencies and nervousness about its implications.
As you can see, man is still afraid of machines, but, cannot do without them. Why? Because overindulgence of anything is harmful, and some things are better kept small.
