The Future of Technology's Effect On The Role of Government

The Future of Technology's Effect On The Role of Government

ABSTRACT:
Technology's effect on the role of government is not a new topic. But it is a topic of increasing importance. And while many see technology's advancement as fuel giving rise to a government's ability to manage or control its population, I believe this phenomenon in the U.S. is outweighed by its counter: technological advancement inhibiting the capability (and necessity) of the state. And this requires us to examine broader questions about the role of government and the role of the citizens as we move into the 21st century.

I see technology affecting government in two main ways: 1. rendering government (law) moot and 2. solving problems previously addressed via government.

1. Rendering government moot:
   The recent case of 3D-printed guns shined light on this factor. Though the federal and/or state governments have for generations attempted to control the distribution of firearms, the new potential to literally print one at one's home has greatly challenged the state's assumed role of gun control. This same phenomenon applies to issues such as the drug war, music/film piracy, gambling, monetary policy, and more. Modern technology has reduced a government's ability to shape and manage these particular behaviors.

2. Solving problems previously addressed via government:
   While technology is proving to be a thorn in the side of law enforcement, technology is also advancing to solve problems governments have wrestled with for generations. The issue of over-fishing may be addressed by lab-grown meat. Abortion battles may be quelled by improved birth control. And the ongoing social ill of impaired driving may be remedied by self-driving cars.

The sum of these two ways technology affects government capability will require us to reassess the role of the state and the role of the resident--if law can't shape problematic behaviors once within its grasp, how will we (can we?) control these ills?

Such questions, technologies, and scenarios will be addressed in this talk.

Speaker
Brandon Ferdig

Brandon Ferdig is a writer and videographer whose website (ThePeriphery.com) and YouTube channel (The Periphery) feature stories about "The Human Experience: across the street, around the world." This includes human interest stories as well as reflections on social issues--including technology's effect on society. Having noted the ways we in the U.S. tackle social ills, Brandon has recognized that advancing technology isn't just a growing factor in this matter. It will require us to reassess our entire social organization.

Brandon's work has been featured in the St. Paul Pioneer Press, the Minneapolis Star Tribune, Canada TV, WCCO radio, and more. He is the author of Life Learned Abroad: Lessons on Humanity from China.

Brandon was born in small town northern Minnesota, graduated from the University of Minnesota, and, when not abroad, has made his home in the Twin Cities.

NOTE:

The impact of the rapid introduction of high tech on society is of great interest to us in the Minnesota Futurists. It should be of interest to anyone trying to keep up with technology today. I personally have not thought about the impact in the way that Brandon has and will be addressing. This should be of major interest to anyone concerned about society and technology. I highly recommend this meeting.

Moderator
Brian Toren