EG1471

Assignment 1

The fear of the consequences that “new technology” will bring is one of the reasons people resist new technology. People are afraid to try “new technology” because there are examples where “new technology” has failed and had a disastrous impact on mankind. They feel that it is safer to use “traditional technology” that they are familiar with as compared to “new technology” that has a higher risk of failing. Cynics argue that even though “new technology” might bring more advantages, it also poses a potential threat in society. They prefer to stay in their comfort zone where they are comfortable using the “traditional technology” which they think safer for them. For instance, the Chernobyl nuclear plant accident illustrates why cynics resist using “new technology”. In the earlier stage, when engineers were developing nuclear energy in Chernobyl, an accident occurred and radioactive particles were emitted into the atmosphere. As a result, many children and adults were diagnosed with thyroid cancer. If Chernobyl had chosen to use “traditional” fossil fuels to generate energy, the public’s health would not have suffered. From this example, it proves that “new technology” does not have enough safety measures as compared to the “traditional technology”. Since engineers are new to the technology, they do not have sufficient experience in planning the structures and mechanics of the “new technology” and hence, the “new technology” has higher risk of failing. In conclusion, it is understandable why cynics reject “new technology”, as they are fearful of the possible negative impact on mankind.

posted by Christina Te @ 8:50 AM