New technologies

Throughout history, people have often exhibited fear and skepticism towards new technologies. The introduction of innovative advancements can disrupt established norms, challenge traditional beliefs, and create fear about the future. Here are a few examples illustrating how people have been afraid of new technolog:

1. Industrial Revolution: During the 18th and 19th centuries, the Industrial Revolution brought significant changes in manufacturing and transportation. Many people, especially those employed in traditional crafts and farming, were afraid of losing their livelihoods to machines and factories. The Luddite movement in England, for instance, involved workers who destroyed machinery out of fear that it would render them unemployed.
2. Electricity: When electricity was first introduced for public use in the late 19th century, people were apprehensive about its safety and potential dangers. There were concerns about electric shocks, fires caused by faulty wiring, and the impact on personal health. It took time for electricity to gain widespread acceptance and for safety regulations to be implemented.
3. Automobiles: In the early 20th century, automobiles faced resistance and fear from many quarters. People worried about the high speeds of cars, accidents on roads, and the potential loss of the horse-and-carriage industry. Some even believed that excessive exposure to high speeds could cause health problems or psychological disturbances.
4. Internet: When the internet began to gain popularity in the 1990s, there were concerns about its impact on privacy, security, and personal relationships. People feared that the internet would lead to isolation, cybercrime, misinformation, and the end of traditional forms of communication. The concept of sharing personal information online was met with skepticism and hesitation.
5. Genetic Engineering: Advances in genetic engineering have raised concerns about the potential risks and ethical implications of manipulating genes. People fear unintended consequences, such as the creation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) with unforeseen ecological impacts or the misuse of genetic technologies for unethical purposes.

These examples highlight how fear of new technology often stems from uncertainties about the unknown, potential risks, and the disruption of existing systems. Over time, as people become more familiar with these technologies and their benefits become evident, the initial fears tend to diminish, and society adapts to embrace the changes.

Currently we see the same with the rise of AI and LLM models. In recent months AI has sparked debates and fears about job automation and the potential for machines to replace humanse. Many people worry about the ethical implications of AI, such as its impact on privacy, decision-making, and the potential for autonomous weapons. Are those fears justified? I hope not, but we all seee it soon.