Technology: A Good Servant but a Bad Master
The aphorism "Technology is a good servant but a bad master" aptly captures the
dual-edged nature of technological advancement. In the 21st century, where technology
permeates every aspect of life—from communication to governance, from agriculture to
education—it is crucial to assess how this powerful tool, when wisely wielded, can uplift
societies, and when misused or over-relied upon, can endanger them.
Technology as a Good Servant
When harnessed properly, technology is a great enabler. It enhances productivity, increases
connectivity, improves healthcare outcomes, and boosts economic growth.
Governance and Public Services: Digital India, Aadhaar-based service delivery, and
e-governance initiatives have streamlined bureaucratic processes and improved
transparency.
Healthcare and Education: Telemedicine, AI-powered diagnostics, and EdTech platforms
have expanded access to essential services, especially in remote areas.
Agriculture and Rural Development: Satellite imagery, weather forecasting, and precision
farming techniques help farmers make informed decisions, thereby increasing yield and
reducing losses.
Disaster Management: Early warning systems and data analytics play a vital role in
minimizing the impact of natural disasters.
Technology, in this sense, acts as a force multiplier. It empowers individuals, strengthens
institutions, and bridges socio-economic divides when aligned with human values and ethical
governance.
Technology as a Bad Master
However, when society becomes overly dependent on technology or loses control over its
development and application, the very benefits it offers can morph into serious threats.
Surveillance and Privacy Erosion: The misuse of surveillance technologies by states or
corporations can lead to Orwellian societies where individual freedoms are compromised.
Job Displacement: Automation and AI, while increasing efficiency, also displace low-skilled
jobs, deepening inequality and causing social unrest.
Mental Health and Social Alienation: Excessive screen time, social media addiction, and
algorithm-driven content consumption have been linked to anxiety, depression, and the
erosion of social bonds.
Misinformation and Manipulation: Deepfakes, fake news, and echo chambers have made it
increasingly difficult to distinguish truth from falsehood, threatening democratic processes.
Environmental Costs: E-waste, energy-intensive data centers, and the carbon footprint of
tech industries contribute to ecological degradation.
Thus, when technology dictates terms rather than serving defined, ethical goals, it
undermines human agency and societal well-being.
Striking the Right Balance
The solution lies not in rejecting technology, but in ensuring that human values and
democratic institutions govern its development and use.
Ethical Frameworks: Governments and organizations must develop robust ethical guidelines
for AI, data privacy, and digital rights.
Digital Literacy: Citizens must be empowered to use technology responsibly and critically.
Sustainability: Green technologies and circular economy principles should be integrated into
tech development.
Inclusiveness: Technological benefits should be made accessible across all sections of
society to avoid digital divides.
Conclusion
Technology is neither inherently good nor bad—it is a tool shaped by the intentions of its
users. Like fire, it can cook our food or burn down our house. If we allow it to serve our
collective well-being with wisdom and restraint, it can be the greatest ally of human progress.
But if we become its slaves, it has the potential to dehumanize, divide, and dominate. Thus,
it is imperative that society remains the master, and technology, the servant.
