ILOCOS SUR POLYTECHNIC STATE COLLEGE
Main Campus
When Technology and Humanity Cross: Why the Future Does NOT Need Us
By:
GADONG, Karl Said
MARIANO, Florheim
• OVERVIEW
In the dynamic landscape of technological advancements, the relationship between
technology and humanity is complex and ever-evolving. It encompasses a broad spectrum of
issues, including the ethical implications of AI and automation, the psychological effects of
social media, the societal impact of digital divide, and the opportunities and challenges presented
by emerging technologies like biotech and quantum computing. Understanding this intersection
requires a multidisciplinary approach that considers not only technological innovation but also
human values, behaviors, and aspirations.
• CONTENT TOPIC: WHY THE FURURE DOES NOT NEED US
The idea that the future might not need us stems from various perspectives, including
concerns about the potential consequences of advanced technologies. Some argue that as
technology advances, particularly with the rise of artificial intelligence and automation, there
could be a shift where machines become increasingly autonomous and capable, potentially
rendering certain human roles obsolete. This concept raises questions about the necessity of
humans in a highly automated and technologically advanced society. However, it's important to
note that this view is just one perspective, and many others argue for the continued importance
and value of human involvement and contribution in shaping the future, particularly in areas like
creativity, empathy, and ethical decision-making that machines cannot replicate.
Expanding on the notion that the future might not need us; some proponents of this idea
point to the rapid pace of technological advancement and the potential for exponential growth in
capabilities. They argue that as machines become increasingly sophisticated and capable of
performing tasks once exclusive to humans, there could be a diminishing need for human labor
in various sectors. Additionally, concerns about the potential for super-intelligent AI to surpass
human intelligence and autonomy raise questions about humanity's role and relevance in a world
where machines can operate independently and potentially outperform us in many areas.
However, it's essential to consider the limitations and uncertainties surrounding this
perspective. While technological progress undoubtedly shapes the future, it's challenging to
predict the full extent of its impact on human society. Moreover, the idea that the future might
not need us neglects the intrinsic value of human experience, creativity, and emotional
intelligence, which are fundamental aspects of what it means to be human. Ultimately, the
relationship between technology and humanity is complex and multifaceted, and the future will
likely be shaped by a combination of technological innovation and human ingenuity.
• OBJECTIVES
1. Identify William Nelson Joy’s arguments as to why the future does not need us.
2. Evaluate contemporary human experiences with science and technology; and
3. Compare why the future does not need us and why the future needs us?
In April 2000, William Nelson Joy, an American computer scientist and chief scientist of
SUN Microsystems, wrote an article for wired magazine entitled “Why the future doesn’t need
us?”
He explained that 21st century technologies —— Genetics, Nanotechnology, and
Robotics (GNR) are becoming very powerful that they can potentially bring about new classes of
accidents, threats and abuses. He further warned that these dangers are even more materials —
knowledge alone will make them potentially harmful to humans.
He also stated that if machines are given the capacity to decide on their own, it will be
impossible to predict how they might behave in the future. In this case, the fate of the human
race would be at the mercy of machines.
GENETICS NANOTECHNOLOGY ROBOTICS
Joy further argues that developing technology provide a much greater danger to humanity
than any technological before has ever presented.
He argued that the 20th century technologies of destruction such as nuclear bomb were
limited to larger governments due to the complexity and cost of such device.
He was also concerned that computers will eventually become more intelligent than
humans, thus ushering societies into dystopian visions, such as robot rebellions.
To illuminate his concerns. Joy drew from Theodore Kaczynski’s book, Unabomber
Manifesto, which argued that technology’s unintended consequences are linked to Murphy’s
Law. He argued that over reliance on antibiotics led to antibiotic – resistant strains of dangerous
bacteria, such as malaria parasites with multi – drug resistant genes, highlighting the paradox of
technology’s unintended consequences.
Joy's arguments against 21st- century technologies have received both criticisms and
expression of shared concern. Critics dismissed Joy's article for deliberately presenting
information in an imprecise manner that obscures the larger picture or state of things.
Technofuturists, criticized Joy's failure to consider social factors and only deliberately
focused on one part of the larger picture. Others go as far as accusing Joy of being a neo-Luddite,
someone who rejects new technologies and shows technophobic learnings.
Ralph Nader was one of those who commented onJoy's article. According to Nader. Joy
was writing something out of control, self- replicating technologies that, once the stuff of science
fiction, were now on the way in decades if not years. Tens of thousands of scientists, engineers,
mathematicians, and system analysts are working in countries all over the world churning out
theories and specialized specialized applications without much consideration of their overall
impacts.
Seventy percent of the volume of stock trading in the U.S. is now driven by computers
and their algorithms-a mere glimmer of the future pictured by Mr. Joy. An astrophysicist Stephen
Hawking, Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak and Elon Musk of Tesla Motors were some of many
specialists who signed an open letter that called for a ban-on autonomous weapons.
An interview with the BBC, Stephen Hawking, through his computer-generated voice,
warned that "the development of full artificial intelligence could spell the end of the human race.
It would take off on its own, and re-design itself at an ever-increasing rate." Hawking, a big
thinker, noted that "humans, who are limited by slow biological evolution, couldn't compete, and
would be superseded."
WHY THE FUTURE NEEDS US?
The future needs us because as humans, we possess unique abilities such as creativity,
empathy, and critical thinking that are crucial for solving complex problems, innovating, and
shaping a better world. Additionally, our capacity for ethical decision-making and moral
reasoning is essential for guiding the development and use of advanced technologies responsibly.
IF THESE TECHNOLOGIES WILL BE MORE IMPROVED, THIS COULD BE
CONSIDERED AS THE GREATEST COMPETITORS OF HUMAN
SO, DOES THE FUTURE NEED US?
Yes, there can never be greater than any divine creations which human beings.
We are the inventors of the technologies that will work for us in the future.
Hence, these can't stand alone!
“We may not know what the future holds, but we know who holds our future”.
WHY DOES THE FUTURE NOT NEED US?
• Technological Autonomy: The advanced-realms technologies, especially in the realms
of nanotechnology, robotics, and artificial intelligence, could surpass human control,
leading to unintended consequences.
• Loss of Human Agency: As machines become more intelligent and autonomous, there's
a concern that humans may lose their significance in decision-making processes, leading
to a loss of control over their own destinies.
• Ethical Dilemmas: The increasing complexity of technology raises ethical concerns
about its impact on society, including questions about privacy, autonomy, and the
distribution of power and resources.
WHY THE FUTURE NEEDS US?
• Human Ingenuity: Despite the potential risks associated with advanced technology,
humans possess unique qualities such as creativity, empathy, and moral reasoning, which
are essential for navigating complex ethical and social challenges.
• Adaptability and Resilience: Despite the rapid pace of technological change, humans
have demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt and innovate in response to new
challenges, suggesting that they will continue to play a central role in shaping the future.
• Ethical Oversight: While autonomous technologies may have the potential to outpace
human control, it is argued that humans still play a crucial role in setting ethical
guidelines and ensuring responsible development and deployment of technology.
REFERENCES:
https://www.wired.com/2000/04/joy-2/
https://www.studocu.com/ph/document/don-honorio-ventura-technological-state-
university/science-technology-and-society/sts-essay-why-does-the-future-doesnt-need-
us/23334555
https://www.forbes.com/sites/columbiabusinessschool/2020/03/26/why-the-future-does-
need-us/?sh=58da00ff59f2
https://www.scribd.com/document/459728630/CHAPTER-7-Why-the-Future-Foes-Not-
Need-Us-STS
