When technology fails to deliver the promised results, we fall back to a prior solution or an alternative for the problem. Technology is not an end in itself; it means to an end. Therefore, when technology fails to meet expectations it becomes a problem in its own right. When we are unsuccessful after investing enormous amounts of time and money we become disenchanted with the whole concept of technology. The inability to meet stated goals leads to a search for something else, something that will deliver what was promised. This cycle is repeated over again.
Technology fails to deliver the results: that were originally expected because people’s perception of that technology did not live up to the hype. It failed to deliver according to the original plan. Technology has also failed to meet social expectations. People’s perceptions of the world around them have been dramatically altered when technology fails to live up to the hype. There is a dire need for a full-scale assessment of the current state of technology in this country and it is time to fully revise American society, both the technological and social expectations associated with technology.
Technology cannot be changed by one glance at the clock: When technology fails to deliver according to plans it creates social disruption. The American people have become very attuned to instantaneous information. They look for answers almost instantaneously. When information does not immediately fit into their lives, they seek out another means of getting the answers they need. This is the equivalent of changing one’s mind and insisting that one should change the way one sees the world when that entails accepting partial truths at the cost of partial happiness.
That is not to say that individuals should go crazy: because in order to fully understand what is happening around them they must become well versed in how the world works. But understanding does not equal acceptance. Acceptance requires that we can look at the world as it actually is, not as it is perceived by those in power. One can look at the world and see what is working and what is not working. One can accept the fact that things will sometimes go wrong, but one can also learn from those mistakes and move on. The first edition of this book clearly spells out how technology fails to meet expectations and offers helpful tools for how members of society can respond.
The first edition of when technology fails: covers four key issues related to failed energy markets, failed medical cures, new infectious diseases, and the long term environmental impacts that will result. Each of these key issues has a number of policy implications that demand immediate attention. For example, did you know that the average lifespan of an African American person is much shorter than the life expectancy of the average person in industrialized nations? That is because many individuals in the U.S. suffer from medical problems caused by pollution. Did you know that many people in Africa suffer from diseases associated with dirty water, starvation, lack of proper sanitation, lack of education, and lack of social services? The answer to this question is obvious: when technology fails to meet expectations, the population suffers.
When Technology Fails: Understanding Why It Fails covers a wide range of topics including the impact on society and the economy if the utility failure occurs, the impact on Africa’s health, and the necessity to invest in new technologies. This book is a necessary reminder that society cannot simply rely on existing technologies to provide the solutions for its needs. The author’s lucid style of writing, combined with her knowledge of many different topics makes this text an excellent reference guide for anyone.
Who is concerned about the future of the global economy and its ability to sustain itself.