Is Tech Friend or Foe?

The Ugly and Good of Technology

GRACE CHNG

Tech Journalist, Author and Content Consultant

Technology is neither good nor bad. But it is a double-edged sword. Its use provokes a broad spectrum of hopes and fears. It is indisputable that technological innovations have brought major gains to organisations and society. And I believe, it will continue to do so.

If someone told me many years ago that I was going to spend 10 to 12 hours most days in front of a computer to do my job, I would have scoffed at the statement.

It turned out to be true. Most jobs these days require constant computer use and to be constantly online.

Technology is proving to be crucial to everything. It is seeping into every aspect of life, from manufacturing to healthcare and transport to commerce, from homes to cars and offices to parks.

But we do not seem to mind the intrusion. Technology has empowered us to communicate with others all over the world – in seconds. It has also made it possible for us to do our jobs – from anywhere.

THE UGLY

However, it is also undeniable that technology has negative impact.

AUTOMATION DISPLACES WORKERS

Self-driving cars and automated software that respond to customer-service inquiries do not require human workers. With digital transformation being accelerated, more workers, especially those without the relevant digital skills, will find themselves displaced.

COMPUTING CAN LEAD TO ADDICTION

Gaming and internet addiction is on the rise as individuals spend all their time online. Singapore’s Ministry of Education1 has observed that gaming addiction has risen for school students. Similarly, internet addiction is another potential problem.

Increasingly, individuals have a compulsive need to spend a great deal of time on the internet, even at the expense of relationships, work and health. A study2 published in the Psychiatry International journal found that more than half the adults in the US are either at risk of addiction or severely addicted to the internet. Additionally, those with internet addiction were 10 times more likely to have depression, nine times more likely to have anxiety, and 14 times more likely to have both depression and anxiety. Could the problem be here already, quietly festering under the hood?

MISINFORMATION AND DISINFORMATION MISLEAD PEOPLE

Artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, neural systems and social media networks can be harnessed to spread false information quickly. They can be used to create deep fake videos, content that falsely show people saying and doing things they never said or did. They are used to manipulate people’s thinking. And the social media which is supposed to connect families and friends living in different parts of the world? They can be used to amplify misinformation and disinformation.

CYBERATTACKS BECOME INEVITABLE

Hacking tools and ready-made malware can be bought on the Dark Web easily, to attack financial institutions and critical infrastructure. The unintended consequence of COVID-19 sheltering measures led to large-scale adoption of technology for work from home arrangements, digitisation of customer-facing networks, and greater use of online services – all of which, presented cyber attackers with an enlarged attack surface.

The research bears this out. Check Point Research reported that cyberattacks in Singapore rose 145% year on year in 2021. The Singapore’s Cyber Landscape 2020 report published by the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore also highlighted significant rise in ransomware and cybercrime like online cheating and cyber extortion. Notwithstanding the ugly aspects, technology can do good too.

CREATE NEW JOBS

In 2030, your son or daughter may be an augmented-reality journey builder, human-machine teaming manager, a brain trainer or an autonomous car technician. Sounds crazy? As crazy as when I was told years ago that I would be spending 10 to 12 hours most days working in front of my computer.

It is difficult to gaze into the crystal ball to predict the types of future tech jobs for they do not exist yet. I believe emerging technological innovations like augmented reality, blockchain, AI and self-driving systems have the potential to create new jobs.

BOOST BUSINESS

This is a basic concept in technology evolution which has not changed from the time early humans fashioned stones and sticks into farming tools to work the land. Technological innovations allow organisations to improve their products and services, be more efficient, agile and effective, as well as create new revenue streams.

MAKE LEARNING FUN

New innovations like the metaverse and 3D virtualisation give virtual face-to-face learning a new meaning. Students from different communities in the world now have opportunities to study with and train under experts from leading global universities. They get to learn from the best in exciting new ways.

ASSIST PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

Technology makes it easier and safer for people with physical disabilities to communicate and share information while working from home remotely. Technology can also help those with speech impediments to communicate better, or even speak for them. Then for individuals who do not have hand dexterity, technology enables them to effectively navigate phone menus or type on keyboards. Software and hardware innovations can offer “voice”, “sight” and “hands” to the physically disabled.

THE VERDICT?

It is true that technology can spread misinformation or provoke perpetrators to do destructive things. But technology is not conscious. As conscious beings, it is our responsibility to ensure the proper management and use of technology.

Technology makes my day-to-day life better. I spend 10 to 12 hours daily most days in front of the computer but I know I am more productive and efficient. It also has the power to optimise potential – both organisations and people. Most importantly, it extends the impact of human good to a larger scale.