Technology cannot always provide successful solutions for problems or fulfill every human need. Societies influence what aspects of technology are developed and how these are used. Rarely are technology issues simple and one-sided. Relevant facts alone, even when known and available, usually do not settle matters entirely in favor of one side or another. That is because the contending groups may have different values and priorities.
Risk analysis is used to minimize the likelihood of unwanted side effects of a new technology.
The public perception of risk may depend, however, on psychological factors as well as scientific ones. Some issues cannot be examined usefully in a scientific way. Among them are matters that by their nature cannot be tested objectively and those that are essentially matters of morality.