The earliest known revolt against technology was Luddism, a pushback against early automation in textile production. Automation had resulted in a need for fewer workers, a process known as technological unemployment. Since the 1970s, technology’s impact on the environment has been criticized, leading to a surge in investment in solar, wind, and other forms of clean energy. Recent years have brought about a rise in social media’s cultural prominence, with repercussions on democracy, and economic and social life.
- Modern technology increasingly relies on training and education – their designers, builders, maintainers, and users often require sophisticated general and specific training.
- Some thinkers believe that this may shatter our sense of self, and have urged for renewed public debate exploring the issue more thoroughly; others fear that directed evolution could lead to eugenics or extreme social inequality.
- The first long-distance road, which came into use around 3,500 BCE, spanned 2,400 km