Technology is a tool for solving problems, but often the solutions bring
on new, unexpected problems. The Internet, for example, makes it possible for people to
cross physical boundaries and form "virtual" communities, which might grow into
virtual states and nations, or "v-nations," point out technology policy
consultants Mike Dillard and Janet Hennard. As these v-nations gain power, however, they
could conceivably build up their own military power--as has already been demonstrated in
crude but effective ways by the al Qaeda network. (See "The Approaching Age of
Virtual Nations," page 24 in the print edition.)
Commenting on the v-nation concept are four experts on the impacts of
technology on society and public institutions: former NATO ambassador Harlan Cleveland,
technology-assessment specialist Vary T. Coates, former government professor Victor
Ferkiss, and educator George Bugliarello, who first described the Internet's potential
impacts in his prescient article "Hyperintelligence: The Next Evolutionary Step"
in the December 1984 issue of THE FUTURIST.
Biotechnologies are also developing at a pace that many critics feel is
too fast for society to handle. As medical-technology analyst Gregory Stock points out,
the unraveling of the human genetic code brings hope for curing or preventing diseases,
improving physical and mental deficiencies, and extending our lifespans. Calls to ban the
biomedical research that could lead to these breakthroughs may do a great deal more damage
than any potential harm that the bans aim to avert, says Stock. Ultimately, the
breakthroughs will happen because even if biomedical research is banned in some countries
it will proceed in others. And they'll happen because people will want to be able to give
their children better lives, says Stock. (See "Choosing Our Genes," page 17 in
the print edition.)
To help keep track of a wide range of current technologies and
forthcoming innovations, researcher Ian Pearson and colleagues at British
Telecommunications have created the Technology Timeline, a taste of which we present in
this issue. (See Visions: "The Technology Timeline" on page 33 in the print
edition.)
