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Introduction

Technology has made rapid strides in the past few decades and these technological changes have brought new inventions and products into our lives. Internet is now ubiquitous. Medical science has made it possible for heart and kidneys to be transplanted but that is not all; it may even be possible to transplant brain from one individual to the other. These changes make it possible to not only change human body, but also the possibilities of life extension are boundless. Automobile companies are coming up with technology that will make it possible for driverless cars to be introduced to our roads as soon as in the next 5 years. These changes in technology also bring fear and apprehension in the minds of many people of the kind that are usually related to panic about new technology or techno-panic as it is called. This kind of techno-panic is not a new phenomenon as whenever a new technology has been introduced, it has raised concerns and even fears about the social changes that such technology may bring. In this anthology, such technologies or new changes are discussed along with the concerns that such technologies inspire in people. This anthology notes the scope of these new technologies in terms of what can be done and what kind of concerns are raised by these new technologies.

Topics

    I.        Techno-Panic through History

Techno-panic is related to paranoia and fear in response to new technology. Thierer (2012) says that such paranoia is caused in humans because we are naturally risk adverse and not good judges of risks. We have a survival instinct and the awareness of our poor comparative risk analysis skills, due to which many of us easily give into  techno-panics. Techno-panic is a phenomenon that can be seen at every point of important technological inventions throughout history. Recent techno-panic can be seen in context of Internet (Thierer, 2012). Although, history shows that most techno panics are temporary and humans generally adapt to the new technology in time; there is always a short-term danger of policymakers adopting measures to control the technology and this may lead to restriction or arrest of the technological development (Thierer, 2012). There is also the possibility of rising tensions in the society due to the panic (Thierer, 2012).

As we saw in the module related to Techno-Panic, and discussed in the class discussions, Techno-panic is nothing new. However, the ubiquitous nature of Internet has led to greater fear among people, especially in terms of social effects, such as threat to minors from paedophiles and cyberporn, and general impacts from fake news (Herrman, 2017 ). Concerns about technology’s impact on society were also seen when the printing press was first invented (Wirtz, 2017). When the printing press was

invented by Johannes Gutenberg, many monks were laid off work as Bible was begun to be printed in the press (Wirtz, 2017). This led to the moral panic regarding impact of the invention on those involved in the industry (Wirtz, 2017). It was also thought that too much information would have a negative impact on the society, which may not be capable of processing such information (Wirtz, 2017). Similar concerns are seen today with regard to information technology, in what is being seen as a ‘threat inflation’ (Thierer, 2013). However, as technology becomes mainstream the fears are set aside and the society accepts new technology.

  II.        The Future of the Body

With the immense development of medical science, there is now technology and science, which will possibly allow transplant of head in human beings. The protocol developed by Sergio Canavero is possibly one step further in that direction  (Canavero, 2013). As per this protocol, the surgeon is to sever the spinal cords of the the recipient (person with diseased body) and the donor (brain dead person with a healthy brain and head) and then fuse the recipient head with the body of the donor  (Canavero, 2013).Needless to say, there are ethical as well as medical issues that are involved in such a procedure. Some critics have gone to say that such procedures are impossible because the human body will not accept such transplants even with heavy doses of immunosuppressants for suppressing the immune system to make sure that the transplant is not rejected by the body (Pultarova, 2017). However, even if the head transplant procedure has not become a reality, the discussion on it does beg the question as to the future of the human body. Another issue that has come up for discussion in this context is that of chip in the body (Clapperton, 2018). On the plus side, chip in the body can be a useful passive devise that can help the wearer to keep track of his vital signs and receive medical treatment if needed (Clapperton, 2018). Microchips are already being used in pets, which allows them to be tracked by their humans if they are lost (Savini, 2018). With technology becoming smaller and smaller, it is now possible that many humans too will get chips imbedded so that technology becomes a part of their skin (Savini, 2018). In fact, there are already people who have chosen to do so as part of their employment (Clapperton, 2018). As we discussed in the class, this new technology can be very useful in saving lives, but there are fears in this area as well. While the fears are justified, the scientists will find a way to make things work, and like other technological innovations, this innovation will also be helpful for the society.

III.        Intelligent Systems

Once upon a time, the thought that there could be cars that can drive without a human driver was unthought of. However, with recent change and development in technology, the possibility that we could soon see driverless cars is not so remote anymore. Automobile makers, Lexus, BMW, and Mercedes, are already playing with the technology for making driverless cars and Tesla has tested its driverless Autopilot system already (Moldrich & Woollaston, 2018). One may wonder how it is possible for a machine to drive on the road, but it is possible with the help of sensors which interact with the external environment, making it possible for the car to drive autonomously (Moldrich & Woollaston, 2018).

It is estimated that by 2012, there will be more than 100,000 autonomous vehicles used around the world (Naughton, 2018). This does raise some ethical concerns, predominantly in the area of human safety, however, Automakers have argued that the use of driverless cars will lead to a sharp reduction in highway deaths(Naughton, 2018). Another concern is in the area of employment as driverless cars would threaten the existence of repair shops, trucking companies and car dealerships (Gross, 2018). However, the advertising industry may flourish as the aesthetics of driverless cars may involve bigger backseats with entertainment centres that allow the backseat audience time to catch their shows in the car(Gross, 2018). As debated in the class discussions, there is a possibility of major social change with the advent of the driverless cares. However, law will also have to respond to the possibilities of different legal issues that are involved in accidents involving driverless cars, as the concept of liability may be different with respect to these cars (Calo, 2018). In the US, with the further evolution of common law of torts, it is possible that the American courts will adapt to the legal issues involved in driverless car, as they have already done with many other technological inventions such as robots (Calo, 2018).

IV.        Making and Things

3D printing has now made it possible for people to make 3D guns, and a settlement between gun-rights activists and the government allows gun-rights activists to post 3D printable gun plans online (Williams, 2018). In 2013, Cody Wilson had posted plans for a 3D printed handgun that he called "The Liberator", which led to the lawsuit regarding the legality of such plans (Williams, 2018). In class discussions highlighted the problem with such guns is that these are do-it-yourself firearms and they will not have serial numbers, making them untraceable. On the other hand, some experts have rubbished the claims that guns can be made with the help of 3D printed plans (Tynan, 2018). Nevertheless, these guns do pose ethical and legal concerns that need to be taken seriously. 3D printing will allow people to make plastic weapons, that may not be detected in the airports metal detectors (Tynan, 2018). Another problem is that there may be people who are prevented from legally owning a gun, but such people may be able to circumvent such restrictions by printing these plans and making their own untraceable weapons (Tynan, 2018). Thus, convicted felons as well as the mentally ill, who are not legally permitted to own weapons, may gain access to weapons, making gun control laws useless (Tynan, 2018). 3D technology is not limited to gun making; it can be used for other purposes, such as, food making (Wiggers, 2017). 3D printing innovations have now made it possible for people to print and cook foods on a mass scale (Wiggers, 2017). With the advent of this technology, we are seeing commercial kitchens, bakeries, and confectionaries employing 3D food printers for making foods and saving time and effort (Wiggers, 2017). While ethical concerns do not affect food printing, the articles and class discussions highlighted definite concerns with respect to medicine printing. While medicine printing may cut down on wait time at the pharmacies, it could also pave the way for people to synthesize dangerous drugs or intoxicant drugs from their homes (Service, 2018). Yet another development in this area is the ability to print human organs. These organs can be used to save many human lives (Meghna, 2018). While this technology is still in the nascent stage, but in future it will be used to create viable human organs.

  V.        Cyborgs and Bioart

Cyborgs have now become a reality with the advent of the technology that combines medical science with cybernetics and allows the embedding of cybernetic characteristics in human beings (Towers-Clark, 2018). In this sense, cyborgs are simply people who have certain cybernetically enhanced qualities (Towers-Clark, 2018). Cyborgs, such as those seen in sci-fi movies, are somehow terrifying to human beings (Fratto, 2018). It has been argued that humans beings with their extensive use of smartphones, have basically become cyborgs too (Fratto, 2018). There is a concern that cyborgs will take over our lives as human beings because if they have artificial intelligence, they are capable of doing everything that we can. This means that they can also do our jobs and do them better because of artificial intelligence (Fratto, 2018). There are ethical concern that are involved in the use of artificial intelligence.

Bioart can be very useful for the purpose of improving the quality of life for those who are afflicted with certain disabilities, which comes in the way of their enjoying life at the fullest (Nelson, 2013). An example can be seen in the case of Neil Harbisson, who was born with achromatopsia (extreme colorblindness), but is now able to experience colors, due to specialized electronic eye, also called eyeborg, which allows him to perceive colors (Nelson, 2013). By being equipped with such bioart, people can also become like cyborgs. However, human cyborgs present issues with the law, as seen in the case of Meow Meow, who installed a travel chip into his hand (Ustik, 2018). Another issue that comes up in this context of conflict between cyborgs and the law and ethics, is that enhancement technology with implants can extend life past natural terms, and also make cybernetically enhanced individuals who are better than others at athletics, or certain jobs (Ustik, 2018). The emerging theme in the class discussions was that while some of the peers were exited about the technology, others had their doubts. While both sides have valid concerns, the benefits of this technology has to be weighed against the negatives effects; and only if the benefits are more than the harms, the technology should be adopted. As some peers commented that negatives effects needs to be mitigated effectively so that most benefit can be reaped from this technological innovation.

Conclusion

Any new technology introduced into this world will come with a set of ethical concerns and potential legal issues or concerns. However, as the history of techno-panic shows us, it is not appropriate to shoot down ideas on new technologies, simply because there are concerns about the way the technology may lead to certain social changes. It is however important to raise such concerns and even address them in order to make sure that new technologies do not have adverse social effects. A discussion or debate on ethical concerns involving new technologies also helps to find solutions or responses for such adverse effects and for that reason, such discussions are important, and must be encouraged. That being said, techno-panic should be avoided because these may lead to arresting development or change, when such change may actually be welcome and good for human society in general. Therefore, care must be taken to ensure that discussions on new technology and the ethical issues posed by these do not become oppressive to inventors and those who may have new ideas for future technology. As such, a balance needs to be drawn between being circumspect about new technology and being encouraging of inventors.

References

Calo, R. (2018). Is the Law Ready for Driverless Cars? Law and Technology, 61(5), 34-36.

Canavero, S. (2013). HEAVEN: The head anastomosis venture Project outline for the first human head transplantation with spinal linkage (GEMINI). Surgical neurology international, 4(1), S335–342.

Clapperton, G. (2018, July 16). Would You Let Your Boss Put a Chip in Your Body? A small number of employees are agreeing to subcutaneous implants — and the idea is spreading.Retrieved December 2018, from Medium: https://medium.com/s/futurehuman/would-you-let-your-boss-put-a-chip-in-your-body-83f9c8fe631c

Fratto, N. (2018, July 17). I’m a Cyborg; You’re a Cyborg.Retrieved December 2018, from Hackernoon: https://hackernoon.com/im-a-cyborg-you-re-a-cyborg-f54ec6349a45

Gross, T. (2018, December 10). The Revolution Will Be Driverless: Autonomous Cars Usher In Big Changes.Retrieved December 2018, from NPR: https://www.npr.org/2018/12/10/675254096/the-revolution-will-be-driverless-autonomous-cars-usher-in-big-changes

Herrman, J. (2017 , Dec. 5). The Return of the Techno-Moral Panic.Retrieved December 2018, from NY Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/05/magazine/the-return-of-the-techno-moral-panic.html

Meghna. (2018, 11 July). Rapid 3D Printing Of High-Res, Viable Human Organs Possible. Retrieved from https://www.evolving-science.com/bioengineering/3d-human-organs-00719

Moldrich, C., & Woollaston, V. (2018, October 18). Driverless cars of the future: How far away are we from autonomous cars?Retrieved December 2018, from Alphr: https://www.alphr.com/cars/1001329/driverless-cars-of-the-future-how-far-away-are-we-from-autonomous-cars

Naughton, K. (2018, October 26). Driverless Cars.Retrieved December 2018, from Bloomberg: https://www.bloomberg.com/quicktake/driverless-cars

Nelson, B. (2013, April 25). 7 real-life human cyborgs See how bionic technology has enhanced people's lives with everything from robotic limbs to electronic eyes.Retrieved December 2018, from MNN: https://www.mnn.com/leaderboard/stories/7-real-life-human-cyborgs

Pultarova, T. (2017, November 20). Why Human Head Transplants Will Never Work.Retrieved from www.livescience.com/: https://www.livescience.com/60987-human-head-transplants-will-never-work.html

Savini, L. (2018, March 26). Human Microchipping Is Here, and It’s About to Rock Your Skin’s World Soon it will open your front door, start your car, and provide your entire medical history.Retrieved December 2018, from Allure: https://www.allure.com/story/rfdi-microchip-implant-in-skin

Service, R. (2018, January 18). You could soon be manufacturing your own drugs—thanks to 3D printing.Retrieved December 2018, from Science Mag: https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2018/01/you-could-soon-be-manufacturing-your-own-drugs-thanks-3d-printing

Thierer, A. (2012, March 4). The Six Things that Drive "Technopanics".Retrieved December 2018, from Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/adamthierer/2012/03/04/the-six-things-that-drive-technopanics/#3256d7aa70b0

Thierer, A. (2013). Technopanics, Threat Inflation, and the Danger of an Information Technology Precautionary Principle. The Minnesota Journal of Law, Science and Technology, 14(1), 309-386.

Towers-Clark, C. (2018, October 1). Cyborgs Are Here And You'd Better Get Used To It.Retrieved December 2018, from Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/charlestowersclark/2018/10/01/cyborgs-are-here-and-youd-better-get-used-to-it/#526b48ad746a

Tynan, D. (2018, August 20). 'I wouldn't waste my time': firearms experts dismiss flimsy 3D-printed guns.Retrieved December 2018, from Guarfian: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/jul/31/3d-printed-guns-danger-problems-plastic

Ustik, G. (2018, October 30). Real-life cyborgs are fighting for their rights with art.Retrieved December 2018, from NextWeb: https://thenextweb.com/tnw-answers/2018/10/03/real-life-cyborgs-are-fighting-for-their-rights-with-art/

Wiggers, K. (2017, April 18). From pixels to plate, food has become 3D printing’s delicious new frontier.Retrieved December 2018, from Digital Trends: https://www.digitaltrends.com/cool-tech/3d-food-printers-how-they-could-change-what-you-eat/

Williams, D. (2018, July 20). Americans can legally download 3-D printed guns starting next month.Retrieved December 2018, from CNN: https://edition.cnn.com/2018/07/19/us/3d-printed-gun-settlement-trnd/index.html

Wirtz, B. (2017, October 17). Today's Techno-Panic Would Have Killed the Printing Press .Retrieved December 2018, from Fee.org: https://fee.org/articles/todays-techno-panic-would-have-killed-the-printing-press/

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Links for easy readability

Techno-Panic through History

https://www.forbes.com/sites/adamthierer/2012/03/04/the-six-things-that-drive-technopanics/#3256d7aa70b0

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/05/magazine/the-return-of-the-techno-moral-panic.html

https://fee.org/articles/todays-techno-panic-would-have-killed-the-printing-press/

The Future of the Body

https://www.livescience.com/60987-human-head-transplants-will-never-work.html

https://medium.com/s/futurehuman/would-you-let-your-boss-put-a-chip-in-your-body-83f9c8fe631c

https://www.allure.com/story/rfdi-microchip-implant-in-skin

Intelligent Systems

https://www.alphr.com/cars/1001329/driverless-cars-of-the-future-how-far-away-are-we-from-autonomous-cars

https://www.bloomberg.com/quicktake/driverless-cars

https://www.npr.org/2018/12/10/675254096/the-revolution-will-be-driverless-autonomous-cars-usher-in-big-changes

Making and Things

https://www.evolving-science.com/bioengineering/3d-human-organs-00719

https://edition.cnn.com/2018/07/19/us/3d-printed-gun-settlement-trnd/index.html

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/jul/31/3d-printed-guns-danger-problems-plastic

https://www.digitaltrends.com/cool-tech/3d-food-printers-how-they-could-change-what-you-eat/

https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2018/01/you-could-soon-be-manufacturing-your-own-drugs-thanks-3d-printing

Cyborgs and Bioart

https://www.forbes.com/sites/charlestowersclark/2018/10/01/cyborgs-are-here-and-youd-better-get-used-to-it/#526b48ad746a

https://hackernoon.com/im-a-cyborg-you-re-a-cyborg-f54ec6349a45

https://www.mnn.com/leaderboard/stories/7-real-life-human-cyborgs

https://thenextweb.com/tnw-answers/2018/10/03/real-life-cyborgs-are-fighting-for-their-rights-with-art/