For a successful technology, reality must take precedence over public relations, for Nature cannot be fooled.
~ Richard P. Feynman
I’m pretty transparent - nothing to hide.
Through this blog, I have been comfortable sharing my vulnerabilities, successes, failures and, at times, non-conformist views.
However, unlike many of my peers, I have not embraced social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
Am I a Luddite?
I could be posting the links to these blogs and sharing other content on InstaFaceTweet as my brother-in-law calls social media. While doing so would increase my audience, I hesitate.
I may not always be an early adopter, but I am grateful for the comforts of modern-day living and the ability to share informed opinions.
I am especially appreciative of easy access to high-quality research and the technology that allows one to work from the comfort of home.
I am not opposed to an algorithm targeting me with advertisements based on my search history.
In fact, for the most part, I appreciate being targeted.
Because I tend to search for divergent views in my quest to find the middle way, I get some enlightening content.
Harvesting data
When you have enough data you don't need to send soldiers, in order to control a country.
~ Yuval Harari
Harvesting data is big business. In an era of widespread reliance on artificial intelligence (AI), data may be one of the most coveted resources. Knowing people’s consumption patterns and behaviours facilitates targeted marketing.
Amazon now has a touchless hand scanner that links to the customer’s credit card. By holding the palm over a scanning device, one can pay for their purchase.
Every palm is unique. That uniqueness can be captured and linked to a payment method and phone number.
Imagine buying things without carrying a purse or wallet - it might come in handy when running long distances or forgetting your payment methods at home.
The technology may eliminate the need for paper passports and theatre and sporting event tickets.
There may also be a place for non-invasive tracking devices that incentivize compliance with healthy dietary and lifestyle protocols. Data collection that facilitates the prevention of disease and personalized medical care is progressive.
So what are my concerns?
An expert is one who knows more and more about less and less.
~ Nicholas Murray Butler
While I see the merits (including social connection and community building) of partaking in social media platforms, I hesitate to fall under the influence.
It is human nature to feel a need for something someone else has. By abstaining, I do not have to rely as much on willpower to consume less.
I am also completely aware of how easily one can create divisive “us” versus “them” groupthink when only presented with content that reinforces personal views and discourages curiosity and debate.
While artificial intelligence-based medical advice may be a step in the right direction, we have a long way to go in adding to and cleaning up the science. Much of what gets published in “peer-reviewed” medical journals is industry-funded, subject to bias and designed to sell.
At this time I choose not to comply with ill-informed medical advice and do not wish to be tracked for compliance. I have seen the cocktail of potentially harmful chemicals administered to the elderly and prefer not to rely on pharma care for a longer lifespan. Quality of life trumps quantity for me.
The potential of implementing a social credit system which rewards behaviour through digital ID monitored by an elite few who want to control the masses is a reason for vigilance.
In a social credit system, governments, central banks and businesses surveil and grade the behaviour of citizens and may restrict their ability to travel, make purchases and acquire property.
At this stage of our collective knowledge, it is much easier to manipulate a system than it is to comprehend the full extent of unintended consequences of such manipulation.
For now, I remain cautious.
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