The Dark Side of Technology: Big Tech, Eugenics, and Our Future
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Chapter 1: The Illusion of Progress
In an era where technology is often seen as a panacea for our problems, we must question this belief. As Yuval Harari articulated during Davos 2020, technology has the potential to disrupt the very fabric of human society, leading to the emergence of a so-called "useless class." This concept sends chills down my spine, for every individual holds intrinsic value.
“Technology might disrupt human society and the very meaning of human life in numerous ways, ranging from the creation of a global useless class to the rise of data colonialism and of digital dictatorships.” - Yuval Harari, Davos 2020
With advancements in automation, it is projected that in the next eight years, robots will replace approximately 20 million factory jobs. This shift has already commenced, with fast-food chains like McDonald's implementing robotic systems in their drive-thrus. Elon Musk is developing a Tesla bot for manufacturing, designed with friendliness in mind—at least for now.
Big Pharma has embraced robotics, claiming they can even neutralize viruses with laser technology. Furthermore, law enforcement is gradually being supplanted by surveillance robots, as seen in Singapore, where they monitor citizens. The line between fiction and reality has blurred, and we find ourselves living in a world where 'Robocop' is no longer just a movie concept.
Section 1.1: The Misuse of Technology
Is replacing menial jobs with machines a positive development? Elon Musk argues that robots can take over repetitive tasks in his factories, suggesting this is beneficial. However, what about the displaced workers who have contributed to his electric vehicle empire for a decade? Are they now free to pursue better opportunities? The answer is no. Instead, they may find themselves aimlessly wandering through the Metaverse, devoid of purpose, trapped in an endless cycle of digital addiction.
The belief that technology is our ally is a gamble on the wrong horse. We must remember one crucial truth: the misguided narrative of technological freedom.
Subsection 1.1.1: A False Promise
In the 1990s and 80s, technology was heralded as a means to liberate us, promising ample free time for self-improvement and the resolution of major issues like cancer and energy costs. Yet, we are now confronted with a cascade of crises, leading to societal collapse. Technology has not liberated us; rather, it has ensnared us.
Every new gadget—be it a holographic companion or another innovation that replaces genuine human interaction—is erroneously celebrated as a triumph. In reality, the opposite is occurring, as highlighted by the legacy of Thomas Henry Huxley, a fervent supporter of eugenics, whose grandson, Aldous, penned 'Brave New World.'
Chapter 2: The Role of Eugenics in Technology
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