Machine Peril or Machine Promise: What do you think?
A 60-second poll on what readers believe are the biggest hopes, and dangers, of digital technology
Recently, Ruth and I had an encounter with a NASA researcher, a quantum physicist, and an Orthodox priest at a major center for theoretical physics. We are currently working on an in-depth article based on this experience, but would like to integrate our readers’ perspectives in the thoughts we hope to share.
Take our 60-second poll below—10 quick questions about two competing stories on what technology is doing to our world. The poll will be open until Saturday, Jan 27.
, and we’re inclined to agree. But who, really, are these emerging new peoples of the Machine and of the Earth? Is there any chance of common ground between them, or will they gradually separate over time into different societies—a bit like the Benedites and Lantuans in Exogenesis?Across the coming years conflict between those who want to [be] all-knowing, immortal, and infinite machines and those who want to remain creatures will only grow more acute. Both sides have legitimate, but radically different, views of what it means to be a fully realised human being. We are going to need new ways to manage this conflict. And when human-machine fusion is made real, then this conflict will be nothing less than the central political question. How do these two groups — let’s call them People of the Machine and People of the Earth — live well together?
Right now, we have no answers to this question…Instead, we are caught between two sets of stories.
Here at
and at , and I are asking these same questions as we search for hope amid the uncertainty, and maybe even some bridges of understanding between vastly different narratives of the future.We’ll report the results of today’s poll in an upcoming article soon. Please note that the questions in the poll don’t express our own opinion; we are interested in your perspectives. Here are the questions:
Thank you for taking the time to share your perspectives. Thoughts and comments? Let us know below!
Also, a big “Welcome!” to the hundreds of new subscribers who have joined
and recently. For a limited time, we have opened up our two most popular articles from behind the paywall for you (including pdf printable versions):