When we’re thinking about the potential harms of technology, it’s easy to get caught up in highly speculative ethical conversations. How will we avoid boredom when biotechnology allows us all to live longer? Will AI usher in an age of automation that necessitates a Universal Basic Income? What dilemmas will we face when people have access to brain-computer interfaces?
These speculative concerns about the future might be fascinating (and certainly make for some great sci-fi). However, we aren’t short of examples of genuine harm in today’s world. Harms like growing wealth inequality, ecosystem collapse, and a rise in fascist movements. And there are examples of these problems being exacerbated by today’s technology.
This chapter explores how we can navigate and assess claims about the potential harms of technology.