Full Description
Technologies and tech companies are routinely accused of creating many societal problems. This book exposes these charges as mostly myths, falsehoods, and exaggerations.
Technology Fears and Scapegoats debunks 40 widespread myths about Big Tech, Big Data, AI, privacy, trust, polarization, automation, and similar fears, while exposing the scapegoating behind these complaints. The result is a balanced and positive view of the societal impact of technology thus far.
The book takes readers through the steps and mindset necessary to restore the West's belief in technological progress. Each individual chapter provides a cogent and often controversial rebuttal to a common tech accusation. The resulting text will inspire conversations among tech insiders, policymakers, and the general public alike.
Contents
- Introduction. The roots and risks of today's techno-mythologies.- 1. Technology is changing the world as never before.- 2. Technology is destroying individual privacy.- 3. Social media is polarizing America.- 4. Technology is driving today's societal distrust.- 5. AI's arrival is an atomic bomb moment.- 6. Social media is the leading source of misinformation.- 7. Your data is gold.- 8. Digital technology is dangerously "addictive".- 9. The internet is extinguishing local languages.- 10. Social media is an existential threat to democracy.- 11. The pace of technology change is accelerating.- 12. Technology increases societal biases.- 13. Big Tech faces no competition.- 14. Silicon Valley doesn't value diversity.- 15. Facial recognition is inherently biased.- 16. Big Tech should be arbiters of "the truth".- 17. Digital technology is increasingly disruptive.- 18. Strong privacy regulations spur digital adoption.- 19. Big Tech practices "data imperialism" in emerging markets.- 20. BigData systems can't protect individual privacy.- 21. Data is the new oil.- 22. Productivity gains no longer benefit U.S. workers.- 23. Corporate profits are at an all-time high.- 24. Technology is wiping out the middle class.- 25. AI will lead to the end of work.- 26. Digital copying is victimless.- 27. U.S. broadband lags behind other developed nations.- 28. The internet is destroying journalism.- 29. Market concentration is at an all-time high.- 30. Big Pharma is driving high health care costs.- 31. Small businesses create most new Jobs and innovations.- 32. We have all the technology we need to fight climate change.- 33. China has invented a new form of capitalism.- 34. American manufacturing is roaring back.- 35. India will save the west from China.- 36. The EU's digital rules are a model for the world.- 37. Antitrust actions are needed to curb Big Tech.- 38. Federal R&D crowds out private R&D.- 39. Industrial policy is not the American way.- 40. Industrial policy doesn't work.- Conclusion. Returning to a pro-innovation American agenda.
