Technology for society

This concluding chapter considers criteria for the social benefits society should demand from the explosion of ever-newer technologies. The term “technology for society” references technology that, whether or not it amazes and revolutionizes society, and whether or not it is provided by the private or public sector - will serve most worthy desires for safety, health, well-being, companionship, community, peace, and justice. The technology revolution is a mix of marvels and aggravations. Cell phones have saved lives and made it possible for poor farmers and others in Third World countries to connect with wider markets, negotiate better prices, and so on. At the same time, Pew estimates that 67 percent of US cell owners check for messages, alerts, or calls even when the phone is not ringing, and 44 percent have slept with their phone next to their beds to ensure they did not miss anything.