<!-- Google tag (gtag.js) --> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-Q2MC6HHGTH"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-Q2MC6HHGTH'); </script><script id="Cookiebot" src="https://consent.cookiebot.com/uc.js" data-cbid="9a575506-32c3-4ed2-8123-3527a9a1f3a7" type="text/javascript" async></script> ![[Old Tech Banner.png]] # Introduction I recently had a very good conversation with my supervisor about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how we as a University should handle the topic. I also recently completed Module Four of my [Introduction to Organization and Second Brain Systems](https://www.patreon.com/OrganizingforChange/shop/introduction-to-organization-second-1402547?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=productshare_creator&utm_content=join_link) course, focused on identifying the right technologies to help keep you organized and productive. These two conversations sparked a deeper thought about the role of technology in our lives. When is it beneficial and inversely, when can it be detrimental? This article will carry this thought experiment through. # What This is Not This is not going to be an article bashing technology. My area of research is leading through technological change. I also work with faculty, businesses, and individuals on how to successfully integrate technology to innovate and enhance their work, teaching, and learning. On a personal level, I absolutely love technology and would consider myself an early adopter (perhaps even an innovator) regarding Rogers [Diffusion of Innovations](https://amzn.to/4ewCjKH) theory. ![[Diffusion of Innovation.png]] That being said, I really try to avoid new things just because they are new. I use things that serve a purpose or a need. I don't want to be "that guy" who is always chasing the next thing, that may be absolutely useless, but looks really cool. Focusing on utility, combined with innovation, is what really gets me excited. # When Technology is Good Technology in and of itself is neither good nor bad. As with most things in life, how we interact with and use technology determines whether it is beneficial or harmful. Technology when it comes to knowledge or organization is much the same. Bill Gates famously said: > ***The first rule of any technology used in a business is that automation applied to an efficient operation will magnify the efficiency. The second is that automation applied to an inefficient operation will magnify the inefficiency.*** This is also true on a personal level. If you are prone to distraction, social media combined with always connected devices are like giving sugar to a toddler or pouring gasoline on a fire. After all, you are reading a blog post by someone who spent way too much time manually upgrading his old HP Pavilion desktop, building [GeoCities](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GeoCities) websites, installing the [PointCast](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PointCast) network, and hanging out on [ICQ](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ICQ) during the 1990's. However, if you are more disciplined (or perhaps like me and trying to just mitigate the chaos), technology can serve as a powerful ally at home and work. The most important thing is to understand your own limitations and need, adjusting accordingly. As with all things, moderation is the key, and knowledge is power. Make sure you are not serving the needs of the technology instead of having it truly help you thrive. # Potential Technology Pitfalls As mentioned earlier, technology can enhance and expand horizons. However, without understanding, it can also be extremely harmful. There are far too many cases where individuals have become addicted to certain types of technology or unable to focus because technology is and connection are ever present. However, those issues (while real and valid) are not the heart of the problem. What lies at the core is a lack of basic knowledge and understanding about how technology works and when, how, and why to use it. I won't go deep into the ethical considerations here (future note to self for another article), but will say that it brings to mind Jurassic Park, but instead of creating dinosaurs, we might think "just be cause we can create a technology, should we?" Again, this is not an indictment of technology, but a recognition that there is a certain level of responsibility and education that comes with innovation. This is a shared responsibility between creators and consumers, although other actors can and should be involved in this process as well. Specifically, I see a role for K-12 schools, colleges and universities, and libraries to provide educational resources and opportunities. # The Solution: Information Literacy I briefly hit on this in the previous section, but in order to effectively use technology or any resource, you need a basic understanding of What they are and how they work. It's the reason we study Math, learn writing skills, read for content and understanding, and learn about processes before conducting experiments in a lab. In the age where we can type questions into a search box or say "Hey Google" to find information on just about anything, we sometimes forget that technology can be as wrong as the flawed human beings that created it. So, the question becomes, how do we mitigate this? Here are my preliminary thoughts on how to approach the topic of innovation: - **Talk About It** - This may sound cliche, but meaningful conversations are crucial when it comes to innovation. Talk about the good, bad, ugly, and what the implications are. Invite skeptics and those who disagree with you. Have conversations with friends, family, strangers at the local library, or in the barber shop. Just Talk! - **Read** - Take the time and put in the effort to inform yourself about the impact of new technologies, asking yourself these questions: - Why are they important? - Who do they serve? - How could they be used for good or bad? - What role should they play in your life? - Sometimes, just reading and reflecting to yourself can lead to tremendous clarity. - **Ask Questions** - Too often, we feel we cannot ask questions or that someone may think we are ignorant. I'd encourage you to overcome that mindset and ask those who may know more than you. Visit your local library. Attend a webinar or talk by an expert. More than that, proactively participate and ask questions. Also, ask questions of the companies about functionality, privacy, approach, and goals. The more you engage and arm yourself with knowledge, the less intimidating innovation and technology (or dare I say all change) will be. # Conclusions & Final Thoughts What have we learned from my rambling? One thing, I hope, is that I am always thinking and talking about technology. Frankly, it can be exhausting, but also exhilarating at the same time. Hopefully, I have also made clear that innovation and skepticism are no mutually exclusive. You should not just run in head long without at least some known variables. You don't need to have all of the answers, but some level of competency is important. Finally, if nothing else, recognize that learning is at the core of everything we do and never stops. As long as we continue to learn, we will never be bored. **| [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdofOksT0V35qf1-zqsIXUQ/) | [Patreon](https://patreon.com/OrganizingforChange?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink) | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/edward.w.finn/) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/changeagent1820/) | [Threads](https://www.threads.net/@changeagent1820) | [Bluesky](https://bsky.app/profile/change1820.bsky.social) | [X](https://x.com/EdFinnIII) | | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/6Tvle14n3fjG8mn0DGfO1G?si=k4B3ocohTI2EuNoFWos1GA) | [iHeart Radio](https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-change-chat-274015995/) | [Apple Podcasts](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/change-chat/id1812220268) |**