There are two ways of viewing this new relationship between humans and technology. We are certainly encouraged intellectually and culturally to see it as positive and necessary. The architects of modern computer systems have successfully argued their technology can solve the ancient curses of social dysfunction and administrative expense. Bureaucracy, they claim can be made more efficient through the automated management of information. Society can be made safer.
Economies can run more smoothly, and education conducted more effectively.
Yet, in spite of its carefully crafted image, information technology is neither friendly nor neutral, and almost never benign. With notable exceptions, it is developed by unethical corporations, peddled by apathetic salesmen, and implemented by large organisations as a means of maximising control over the individual. The widespread use of information technology is increasing the power and influence of government and corporations. One inevitable consequence is that the individual is subject to increased monitoring, regulation and control. Cash machines and electronic road tolls may be seen as useful or necessary, but they will establish a real time geographic tracking system over the entire country.