Differing Perspectives on Technology and Society

After reading and comparing two articles discussing the impact of technology in our lives, one by Neil Postman, a professor and media theorist, and the other by Elder Dallin H. Oakes, an apostle of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I gained a greater appreciation for the LDS church’s position on the impact of technology on society. The former article, paranoid and pessimistic, hid behind a thin veil of impartiality as it painted a picture of technology as a dangerous, uncontrollable beast. Postman left me with the message that every innovation has the power to wreck society and therefore should be carefully tucked away from the world until its global impact is ascertainable. In contrast, Oaks spoke of technology as an opportunity when employed wisely, only a curse when used irresponsibly. For instance, Oaks cautions that “With greatly increased free time and vastly more alternatives for its use, it is prudent to review the fundamental principles that should guide us.” Here Oaks mentions a potentially negative effect new technology has had on our society, and then proceeds to talk about what we can do to both cope and take advantage of the situation. He also provide a powerful quote from President Young, “Every discovery in science and art, that is really true and useful to mankind, has been given by direct revelation from God. … We should take advantage of all these great discoveries.” Whereas too often both religion and science arbitrarily decide to wage war on one another, the doctrines of the LDS church harmonize them perfectly.