This discussion is about the societal factors of technology. I am providing some concerns from some old books published from 1970 to 1991. First just think about what the world was like in the late 1960’s. When Alvin Toffler wrote Future Shock published in 1970; we had just put a man on the moon. It was not conceivable that the human race could withstand continued technological advances at the same pace experienced throughout the 1960’s. According to Bruce Merrifield, former assistant secretary of commerce for production, technology, and innovation, 90 percent of all scientific and technical knowledge has been generated in the last thirty years. He goes on to say that a major proportion of that could be attributed to the United States. He estimated that by the end of the 1990’s the field of knowledge would double again with a half life as little as five to ten years (Parnell, 1990, p45). The United States educational system is simultaneously creating more high-skill jobs and turning out more low-skill workers (Parnell, 1990, p43). Half of all energy consumed by man has been consumed in the past 100 years (Toffler,1970). Over 30 years ago Alvin Toffler stated; 90 percent of the scientists who ever lived, are alive today (Toffler, 1970) The first English patent for a typewriter was issued in 1714, But a century and a half elapsed before typewriters became commercially available (Toffler, 1970). For the first time ever in the history of mankind, the wilderness is safer than civilization (Popcorn, 1991). Bill Gates stated that we have failed miserably in our attempts to make people computer literate. We must strive to make computers people literate in the future. Please provide your comments. Just how much of this Information Systems Security problem is a people problem and how much is technology problem? Do you think the rapid pace of technology is a problem? Can we continue with this rapid pace of technology development? Can we afford not to continue this rapid pace of technology development? Can you provide an update on societal impacts of technology in todays world?
Parnell, D (1990). Dateline 2000; The New Higher Education Agenda. The Community College Press, Washington DC.
Popcorn, F. (1991). The Popcorn Report, Harper Business, New York: NY.
Toffler, A (1970). Future Shock, Bantam Books, New York: NY