Why do people idolize technology?

Question

I decided to submit once more in the form of the question that these episodes [0,1] ask.How do we stop people from idolising technology? [2] How to we restore reason and scepticism, without which proper cybersecurity seems sunk?It's a question that other security thinkers like Bruce Schneier or writers like Cory Doctorow seem like they are trying to express, but fall short of. And it's a question that Alan Bates, the key protagonist of the Post Office debacle keeps hinting at.What do HN readers think?I appreciate that two episodes are almost 2 hours but would really welcome sincere feedback and thoughts.[0] https://cybershow.uk/episodes.php?id=23[1] https://cybershow.uk/episodes.php?id=24[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Idolatry

EchoChamberMan · Accepted Answer

I think the reason people idolize it is the most straightforward question you pose. Technology is power, and power is influence, and influence is something everyone wants. Some of the older technology that was and still is influential would be guns.
When violence is the desired outcome, guns provide safety to the operator and quick, targeted deployment of force, without having to personally develop the capability, say through exercise and training. Now that one can deploy force, one can be a soldier or guardian.
The newest technological power is AI and LLMs. Now anyone "can be an artist," producing detailed, mostly comprehensible art. Previously, one would draw stick figures with pencil, but now Midjourney turns one into a poor Michelangelo. Again, completely changing the personal investment required to produce phenomena.
Technology is the ultimate lever, produced from thought, which is the ultimate technology.
Fixing the problem is much, much harder.