Technology fear-mongering: The neverending technology panic

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• June 13, 2023

Insight highlights

The historical impact of technology on human progress has been significant, with the potential risks often driving societal debates. This pattern of fear-mongering with new technologies results in a wave of moral panic, politically motivated funding for research, and sensationalized media coverage. Meanwhile, real-world consequences are emerging, as seen in attempts to ban AI tools like ChatGPT in schools and countries, possibly resulting in illicit use, stifled innovation, and increased societal anxiety.

Technology fear-mongering context

Technological disruptions throughout history have significantly shaped human progress, the latest being artificial intelligence (AI). In particular, generative AI could drastically impact our future, mainly when its potential risks are considered. Melvin Kranzberg, a noted American historian, provided six laws of technology that describe the complex interaction between society and technology. His first law emphasizes that technology is neither good nor bad; its effects are determined by human decision-making and societal context. 

The rapid advancements in AI, especially artificial general intelligence (AGI), are creating new trajectories. However, these developments generate debates, with some experts questioning the level of AI's advancement and others highlighting potential societal threats. This trend has led to the usual fear-mongering tactics that come with new technologies, often inciting unproven fears of these innovations' possible effects on human civilization.

A graduate of the University of Oxford for experimental psychology, Amy Orben, created a four-stage concept called the Sisyphean Cycle of Technological Anxiety to explain why technology fear-mongering happens. Sisyphus is a character from Greek mythology who was fated to eternally push a boulder up a slope, only for it to roll back down, forcing him to repeat the process endlessly. 

According to Orben, the technology panic timeline is as follows: A new technology appears, then politicians step in to incite moral panic. Researchers start focusing on these topics to get funds from these politicians. Finally, after researchers publish their lengthy study findings, the media covers these often sensationalized results. 

Disruptive impact

Already, generative AI is facing scrutiny and "preventive measures." For example, public school networks in the US, like New York and Los Angeles, banned using ChatGPT on their premises. However, an article in the MIT Technology Review argues that banning technologies may result in more negative outcomes, such as encouraging students to use them illicitly. Additionally, such a ban may promote misuse of AI rather than fostering open dialogues about its advantages and limitations.

Countries are also starting to restrict generative AI heavily. Italy became the first Western country to ban ChatGPT in March 2023 due to issues with data privacy. After OpenAI addressed these concerns, the government lifted the ban in April. However, Italy's example sparked interest among other European regulators, especially in the context of the European Union (EU)'s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Already, Ireland and France are further investigating ChatGPT's data policy.

Meanwhile, AI fear-mongering may intensify in the media, where the narrative of AI displacing millions of jobs, creating a culture of lazy thinkers, and making disinformation and propaganda much easier is already at full throttle. While these concerns have merits, some argue that the technology is still relatively new, and no one can be sure that it will not evolve to counter these trends. For example, the World Economic Forum predicts that by 2025, machines might replace around 85 million jobs; however, they could also generate 97 million new positions better suited to the evolving collaboration between humans and machines.

Implications of technology fear-mongering

Wider implications of technology fear-mongering may include: 

• Increased distrust and anxiety towards technological advancements, potentially causing a reluctance to adopt new technologies.
• Hindered economic growth and innovation by creating an environment where entrepreneurs, investors, and businesses are less likely to pursue new technological ventures due to perceived risks.
• Politicians exploiting public fears for political gain, leading to restrictive policies, overregulation, or bans on specific technologies, which can stifle innovation.
• A widening digital divide between different demographic groups. Younger generations, who are generally more tech-savvy, may have greater access to and understanding of new technologies, while older generations may be left behind. 
• Stagnation in technological advancements, resulting in a lack of breakthroughs and improvements in crucial areas like healthcare, transportation, and renewable energy. 
• The fear of job loss due to automation preventing the adoption of more efficient and environmentally friendly technologies, prolonging dependence on traditional, less sustainable industries. 

Questions to consider

• How can tech companies ensure their breakthroughs and innovation do not inspire fear-mongering?