The relationship between technology and humanity is something we deal with every day. If we look at this relationship 100 or even 50 years ago, things have changed dramatically. It is virtually impossible to go through a day in our society without using technology of some kind. Unlike the car or steam engine, there is no one thing that is supposed to change our world, it is taking over almost all aspects from the way we communicate, the way we spend free time and they way we learn.
Though I feel that there are amazing things about technology, like its use in medicine, I am generally unoptomistic about where we are heading with technology. At first it is great to look a things from Kurzweils perspective, but I think it is unrealistic to expect humans (imperfect) to make no mistakes and create a kind of utopia through technology. Rather, I think Joy is more accurate in his assessment of where technology is taking us.
I feel like the more integrated technology and machines become into our lives, the less human and natural our society will be. Already we are losing touch with actual human interaction so much through the internet, image where we will be in 20 years. People will be able to meet, fall in love and get married online without having ever met! Technology is important, but I think it is unnecessary to try to integrate it into every aspect of living. Sure, it can make things easier, but I think it is making people lazy and unimaginative.
Not to be hypocritical, I am thankful for the moving sidewalk at the airport and the internet, but it has to stop somewhere. I think it is possible for society to become far too reliant on technology, which could be dangerous.
