Technology and dementia

Excerpt

Nowadays economic growth, GDP and technological development are widely accepted indicators of progress. Sure there are many different kinds of neo-luddites, anarcho-primitivists, and bioconservatives who—all in their own manner—are critical of technology. As a societal force, however, these groups do not seem to amount to anything significantly influential. Thus research in high-tech areas is hugely prioritized by governments and funding bodies. Moreover, powerful corporations drive a good deal, if not the largest share, of technological change. The likes of Google, Facebook, Microsoft and Apple are developing a plethora of emerging technologies. Corporate coffers finance an incessant stream of messages, presenting the latest and upcoming innovations in the most upbeat manner imaginable to markets around the world. They equally fund immense lobbying activities so as to influence politicians and policy makers in directions in line with corporate interests and strategy. So it is no surprise that technology is booming and rapidly changing our lifeworld. …