It’s done all three, more or less in that very order.
Initially, modern tech was a progressive tool, helping immensely with science, mathematics, and documenting history and literature.
Then it became commonplace, everyone and their grandma has the internet, posting their random brainfarts, cat memes and fails of the day.
Now we’re digressing, people using AI left and right, while simultaneously losing their own critical thinking skills, and also finding it harder and harder to double check anything without running into another AI brick wall.
Yes I realize your question is more about how tech has affected civilization. Technology has always been affecting civilization, so its done all three, evolved us, stagnated (I think peak useful tech and functioning generally happy civilization stagnated around 2014), and has been regressing since.
I myself don’t see progress as a technical thing, but rather technology as something that could help us overcome our animalistic traits in order to enable us to live together in a good, forward-looking way. I mean, of all the mammals in the world, we are the best at building tools, but I wonder if we are making the most of this or if, despite all our tools, we are ultimately incapable of overcoming our instincts.
I don’t know the answer any more than anyone else. However, your answer, which I share, suggests that despite all our technological achievements, we are not evolving significantly, but remain trapped in our animal nature.
Think about it for just a few moments. When our ancient ancestors figured out how to make fire, rather than carry it around in a sled thanks to a lightning strike, everything changed…
It’s done all three, more or less in that very order.
Initially, modern tech was a progressive tool, helping immensely with science, mathematics, and documenting history and literature.
Then it became commonplace, everyone and their grandma has the internet, posting their random brainfarts, cat memes and fails of the day.
Now we’re digressing, people using AI left and right, while simultaneously losing their own critical thinking skills, and also finding it harder and harder to double check anything without running into another AI brick wall.
Yes I realize your question is more about how tech has affected civilization. Technology has always been affecting civilization, so its done all three, evolved us, stagnated (I think peak useful tech and functioning generally happy civilization stagnated around 2014), and has been regressing since.
That’s a good approach.
I myself don’t see progress as a technical thing, but rather technology as something that could help us overcome our animalistic traits in order to enable us to live together in a good, forward-looking way. I mean, of all the mammals in the world, we are the best at building tools, but I wonder if we are making the most of this or if, despite all our tools, we are ultimately incapable of overcoming our instincts.
I don’t know the answer any more than anyone else. However, your answer, which I share, suggests that despite all our technological achievements, we are not evolving significantly, but remain trapped in our animal nature.
We are a result of our own ancestral design.
Think about it for just a few moments. When our ancient ancestors figured out how to make fire, rather than carry it around in a sled thanks to a lightning strike, everything changed…