The range of possibility and human choice implicit in technology seems to go against pessimism about the effects of technology on human freedom. Modern technology has a quality of finality. That tells us that technology does have an influence on our culture and institutions. Consequently, there is increasing effort to try to understand and control technology. How Technological Change Impinges on Society New technology creates new opportunities for men and societies.
New technology generates new problems for men and societies.
Any given technological development has both positive and negative effects. Taking advantage of this new opportunity requires changes in social organization. These changes interfere in the functions of existing social structures. Goals which were achieved by means of the older social structures cannot be adequately achieved any more. Our challenge is to profit from the opportunities opened up by technology and to contain its dangers.