Public Perception of Technology and Its Influence on Media

Technology, technology, technology. We’re constantly hearing about it, using it, consuming content about it, and inventing it. Artificial intelligence, in particular, has come onto the technology scene with force.  How we interact with AI and technology generally has changed over time. And so has our perception of both.

Many things contribute to the public’s changing perception of technology. This article will look at how the media and pop culture have changed how we perceive artificial intelligence (AI) and technology in general.

Technology Makes Life Easier

It seems like everywhere we turn, someone is using a technological device. Some people are against the constant use of technology. Others are behind it 100% because it can make life easier.

In movies, television, games, and real life, we see people using tech devices to make tasks and activities more enjoyable and seamless. We also see them integrated into daily life naturally.

For instance, telehealth services, like teledermatology, are on the rise. Specific in-person interactions with dermatologists can be replaced with live video chats.

You can even skip the live interaction with a dermatologist altogether. Instead, simply submit a picture of your symptoms through a secure portal, and get a diagnosis, treatment plan, and any prescriptions sent to you. Remote appointment options like these are way more convenient and comfortable for many people.

There may have been a time when people swore too much technology would be the downfall of humanity, but society has since evolved to embrace technology.

There is No Privacy

Technology may be making life easier. However, there are many privacy concerns associated with being so digitally focused. With companies collecting data rapidly, it’s hard to track what they’re collecting, why, how, and who has access to it.

Pop culture continues to bring forth issues about privacy. There are countless news articles and blog posts about unethically collected data, data breaches, and how easy it is to hack into laptop and desktop cameras, security cameras, and so forth. “They’re always watching,” is the sentiment.

Technology Is Transforming Entertainment

Much of the public didn’t expect the transformation of entertainment through technology. For example, many people swore we couldn’t get any better than radios, live shows, and in-person social connections.

But look at us now. Smart devices, live-streaming, social media, augmented reality, virtual events, and other digital tools provide a whole new entertainment experience. And the public’s more on board with technology’s influence on entertainment than ever.

For example, remember when sports were all about physical activity, and video games were only played with people in the same room? Well, now eSports are raking in millions of dollars each year, getting as much media coverage as traditional sports, and producing elite players worldwide.

The continued rise of eSports and other entertainment rooted in tech proves that we’ve come a long way in how we perceive technology.

AI Enhances Work

If we’re honest, the public is still wary about AI. In fact, many people admit they have no idea what AI is and how it works. That said, most people who understand AI see its worth in the work world.

AI uses machines to mimic human intelligence and actions. Data collection and analysis is an excellent example of AI’s use in the work world. Companies can collect massive data sets that they can dissect and pull meaningful insights from to enhance decision-making.

Manufacturing robots, laser scalpels, automated driving technology, and smart assistants are also examples of AI at work. It’s meant to enhance the way humans work rather than replace them entirely. But much of the public fears the latter is closer than we think.

We’re Far Away From Machines Taking Over

Many pop culture assets and movies like I, Robot, Ex Machina, and The Terminator, position machines as something to be afraid of. They attempt to take control of humanity and carry out violent acts against people.

This generally negative perception of machines and robots has put fear in many people in real life. They’re scared robots will replace them in workplaces, leaving them financially distraught. They’re afraid the end of the world as we know it is near because the dark takeover by robots is “definitely going to happen.”

Because of this fear, the general perception is that we can’t coexist with robots and machines, so it’s best to avoid them altogether. But the reality is that we’re far away from machines taking over and much closer to peacefully coexisting with robots and machines than we think.

If we can show the advantages of machines and robots and how we’re already using them daily without issue, the public’s perception of them will soften.

Conclusion

The public’s perception of AI and technology generally continues to change and be influenced by pop culture, the media, and other factors. However, despite fears and concerns about AI and tech surfacing daily, neither is going anywhere. Expect the world to immerse itself even more in technology in the future.

Watch this space for updates in the Technology category on Running Wolf’s Rant.

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