does technology help us or them?

[BugsyB]

what i mean is this: are we closer to 1984 with technology or without?

i say without!!!

 

[brmstn69]

Them, definitely, them...

Technology, is the new "Opium Of The Masses", they have made things like cell phones and navigation systems so desirable and easily available, that it's damn near impossible to function in modern society without such devices. And with sites such as MySpace, FaceBook, and Twitter, people now willing post everything they do for all to see.

What most people don't realize is that all these devices can be used to monitor them. Government agency's have the ability to remotely activate cell phones microphones and even cameras, most now also have a GPS tracking device as well. So most of us are willing walking around with wiretaps, surveillance cameras, and lo-jacks in our pockets...

Newer cars with navigation systems, bluetooth, OnStar, Sync, etc. are just as bad. Navigation systems keep a record of everywhere you've been, So called "emergency response systems" like OnStar and Sync also track your whereabouts, as well as giving outside parties control of your vehicle. They can disable or track your car from anywhere, and with the built-in microphones, they can eaves drop on you nin the car if you forgot your cell...

And now they are starting to integrate all of these "must have" devices into homes as well, granting them access to our last vestige of privacy...

1984 has come and gone, but big brother snuck in the back door...

And the biggest part of the joke is that "We The People" are burying ourselves in debt to pay for the very technology that will eventually enslave us...:rofl:

"People are cattle"...Nietzsche

 

[Tjerk12]

In many discussions I hear the word “They”. Defined as an elusive power, that forces us and causes evil. I don’t believe in They. People have a common responsibility. Together we are good, or cause harm. Together we embraced techniques as a blessing for modern life. The computer and the internet I use now are two examples of such a blessing. I cherish them, they have enriched my life. Each technical invention has irreversible consequences. Things will never be the same. 1984 Will never return and 2011 will differ from 2010. Books will never be hand written by monks, but printed by machines. Parallel to this technical development there was a social development. We invented consumerism. We buy as much as possible. Actual need seems of less importance. Quantity is the credo. Whatever the producer makes, we buy it. Nietzsche is right, we behave like cattle. It is not the producer who is the bad boy, we are the bad boys. When we don’t buy the stuff they make, they go bankrupt. Since they don’t, I assume we buy all the rubbish. Making all these things causes harm to our environment. To reach all the oil we need, the producers have to search for difficult and dangerous wells. By flying all over the world (for nearly tax free fuel) we take a burden on our atmosphere. I think that the greatest challenge for the future is to belie the conception of Nietzsche and return to spiritual individuality. To make decent choices about what we really need. Not that it brings back 1984, but it offers a future for next generations.

 

[alexfot55]

As a consumer try to use what makes your life easier but learn and keep the knowledge that enables you to live without them (p.e. GPS vs map and compass).Don't fall in the trap of the latest gadgets, replace when unavoidable.