Throughout history, technology has shaped human society and the course of history. Technology also has a direct effect on our everyday lives. Technology can be used to improve the world, but it can also have negative effects on our lives. In addition, technology has become more complex in terms of its relationships with larger contexts.
In the United States, technological options are influenced by many factors. Government policy, economic competition, and consumer acceptance are among the most common drivers. In addition, technological options are influenced by local regulations.
Technology is also influenced by a variety of international organizations. One example is the International Organization for Standardization, which focuses on developing standards for new technologies. Another is the General Data Protection Regulation, which focuses on addressing current and future threats posed by artificial intelligence.
In addition, technology can be used to promote global cooperation. For example, many countries are considering new rules to regulate the exchange of technology across borders. However, governments struggle to agree on the best processes for developing and enforcing norms.
Technologists argue that governments should take on social issues, but they are often ill-equipped to do so. For example, technologists have often criticized “new Luddites” who are seeking to mitigate the societal impacts of technological change.
In addition, many supposedly systematic mechanisms for assessing the impacts of new technologies are not actually systematic. They are bureaucratic and symbolic. However, they can help identify potential risks and side effects.