Has technology made the earth a better place?

Tough Question;

Before cell phones I was perfectly happy using a home phone, work phone, or pay phone,

Before the internet I was perfectly happy with hustler magazine

Before the microwave became a household item I was perfectly happy heating up my food in the stove/on the stovetop/ or in the toaster oven.

Before the VHS player & DVDs I was perfectly happy going to the movie theatre then waiting a couple of years before seeing it again on network TV.

Before CDs I was perfectly happy buying records and tapes

Before Kindle I was perfectly happy carrying my books around with me

Before the digital camera I was perfectly happy using my SLR

Before my MP3 player I was perfectly happy carrying my boom box


I use what technology is available at the time but it doesn't make thing better



Hotwater

 

This is a bit long, just because I always find it hard to explain my position on this question in simple "yes/no" terms.

I would say the answer is neither "yes" nor "no"--or maybe both "yes" and "no"--depending on one's perspective.

I think the word "technology" is probably one of the most misunderstood words we have. Really it just refers to the application of knowledge. We can't do anything beyond absolutely pure instinct without applying some sort of experience and knowledge. But so often, the word "technology" is used only to conjure images of what's often considered "cutting edge." When someone says "technology," we're trained to think of computers, robots, satellites, cars, smartphones, etc., etc., etc. Lumping "technology" into one big category hides a lot of other questions.

There are so many examples of technology. A stone axe is technology. Clothing is technology. Human-made fire is technology. Computers, robots, cellphones, and all the rest of course are also technology. Vaccines and nuclear bombs are technologies. I'd even go so far as to say that language itself is one of humanity's oldest and most powerful technologies, because language is the technology that even allows us to ask questions like "Has technology made the earth a better place?".

But there's even a more subtle technology. When we realize we don't have to do something, that too is an application of knowledge and experience, just as much as a machine, a structure, etc. is. Rewilding is a technology. Getting away from the use of fossil fuels is a technology. Finding ways not to have to toil our lives away is a technology. Technology doesn't necessarily mean endless production for the sake of production or any sort of domination of nature.