On Route to an E-Society: Human Dependence on Technology and Adaptation Needs

Abstract:

"For years on end technology has been taking the world by surprise. The very things that are now operating machines, controlling nuclear power plants, assembling cars and running entire factories are the ones to have brought about an industrial revolution, an economic change and most importantly a social transformation. Information technology is no exception. Its evolution, advancement and results continue to spread at a record pace. Yet the integration of such technology into human social lives remains questionable. With big E now pairing up with most means of our daily lives (e.g. E- Government, E-learning, ECommerce, E-health...etc), one is forced to ask: where would the immanent human dependence on IT lead? How much of our life should rely on technology? Which routes are the best to take to handle the information age? This paper will aim to address the issue of the growth of human reliance on information technology and the arguments in favor of technology-human adaptation. The paper will also aim to suggest potential factors which could help in brining about a social acceptance of technology as well as measures to help IT become an integrated tool of life. The legal system and its dependence on IT is taken as a prime example."

Click here for the full paper in PDF format on the Social Science Research Council website.