Tuesday, December 2, 2014

what if an innovation turns out to be harmful?



Some technological innovations aimed to make human life easier and more interesting, at times, make life complex and annoying.  Some say the manufacturers need to self-regulate such innovations, while others say it is the end-user who should manage it.

·         Do you think manufactures can keep innovations people-friendly all the time?
·         What can the end-user do in this regard?   Ajaypeesdoc.2.12.14

The instances of innovations turning out be counterproductive are not new to both the manufacturers and end-users. In this context, I do not think the former can do much all the time, but the latter is at a better position.  
The manufacturers’ prime objective is to gain market presence, and they know it takes a lot to achieve something distinct in the field of technology. Obviously, no manufacturer would go to the extent of ignoring the public concerns a particular innovation may raise. For example, if there is great public outcry on a particular innovation like it disturbs the privacy or personal freedom of a person, like Google glass or the night vision camera technology of Sony, companies may take steps to self-regulate. But, this is likely to give companies tough times.   

Naturally, the onus lies on the shoulders of the consumer. Unless the consumer is responsible and intelligent, any innovation can become a threat to others. Let me city an example. The camera application in wearable devices like mobile phones are intended to do good to people, but if consumers fail to behave with it, neither the maker nor the technology can help it. Let’s take Bluetooth for example. It is a great innovation, but many people apply wrongly posing threat to others. So is the case with Morphing technology.  The thing is not what, but how a device is used.

My conclusion is that technology, whatever that is, cannot but go on innovating. But, when it comes to how a new device is going to be used or abused cannot always be determined by the innovators, rather it is in the hands of those who avail the services of such innovations.  

280 words
Ajaypeesdoc. 2.12.14

www.jpsukham.blogspot.com. Google. Vaatupura A. Jayaprakash

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