The gap between people with and without access to information continues to widen as the structures of the Industrial Age become increasingly fragmented. Today, we are in the midst of the Knowledge Society, where there is a need for a new understanding. Ngwenyama's talk addressed the social effects of technology and its effect on people. Depending on one's viewpoint, in today's society we are experiencing either the best of times or the worst of times. Large ships brought people closer together and reduced the perception of distance, but they also brought misery to many when they were used to move armies or slaves.
Nuclear power offers the promise of cheap electricity, but it can also be used to produce weapons.
Ngwenyama went on to note that social relationships depend on who is controlling the technology, and we sometimes take it for granted that technology is universally available. For example, the global telephone system brings people together, but less than one-third of the people in many countries have their own phones. It may seem obvious or trite, but we need to stop and realize that people without access to technology will not have a technology-driven future. Ngwenyama challenged and stimulated the audience, pointing out that we cannot rely on market forces to correct this imbalance because the market is not driven by social considerations. As we move into a technology-centric world, it is important to ensure that all segments of society have access to the necessary technology.