Technology Appreciation Club

I wanted to write a story about optimism in technology after first seeing Techno Optimist Manifesto headline. But then I’ve actually read it. Oh dear, what an absurd document that turned out to be… (Here is a great tear-down and another one.)

For me, technology optimism is not about “AI will save us all”. It’s about appreciation of opportunities that technology opens.

Two years ago, I picked up some family memorabilia from my parents. Among other things, there were the old telegrams from distant relatives with congratulations on the major life events, such as the wedding and birth of first child (me). Since not everyone even had a phone, it was the only way to deliver an important message quickly.

Yesterday, I sent a picture of my cat to my old school friend who lives 7 time zones away and got a heart emoji in response. The distant relatives are in my contacts and just an email away, even though we all live in different countries now.

One might point out that barrage of [mostly bad] worldwide news and being constantly online is not healthy. And it’s a valid concern. But regardless of what venture capitalist may manifest, technology is nothing without people. And we still have the power to support the technology we want and let the rest fade into oblivion. I hope you join me in the Good Technology Appreciation Club. JP