Has Technology Progressed Faster Than The Human Mind

Important hub with lot of relevant questions. I also wonder if our brains have adapted to all the i formation we have to deal with every day. Can we really handle this? I can agree on many of your points and think you have done a great and interesting hub.

You sure hit on some fascinating topics, Nell! And you raise such interesting points. This one happens to be one I've been interested in lately, too. May I add a few thoughts?

You mentioned how slowly early technological changes took place. Things like learning that fire could kill, or be used to cook, probably took years, if not decades. Oral language would have been a major technological advance, one that ushered in an era that would ultimately known as a period of the "oral tradition" where history and news started getting recorded by bards who repeated tales far and wide. By sharing these tales, people learned more faster then ever before, though still very slowly compared to our modern day experiences. Then, the Guttenberg press created another paradigm shift that enabled mass production of the printed word. Religion and education were no longer restricted to a very privileged few. As more people had access to existing knowledge, of course, new discoveries could take place faster, building success upon success.

Now we have entered the digital era, and this speed has multiplied exponentially. I suspect that you're right that the human mind cannot keep up. Worse, it means that individuals must specialize in one area, while sacrificing knowledge in MANY other areas. This is why Hannah Montana and Justin Beiber are news while weighty topics like wars fade into the background of our lives rapidly.

I believe this will see more people resorting to those primal, genetically remembered behaviors as this phenomenon progresses. What will that lead to, though? A "matrix" system like we saw in the movie of the same name? Civil wars? World peace? I find it terrifying to consider!

I agree with most of the things you've concluded in the article. And I'm sure the majority of mankind is not ready for the technological revolution, if any. Whilst there are individuals who will be able to adapt, mainly because of a great interest in the subject in question. The ones without an interest above the "normal", will most likely not be able to keep up. What I'm saying right now is not bound to evolution though and my perspective might just be to narrow as of now. A great subject and a great read!

Thank you for the answer and a hasty one on top of that!

Hi Nell,

I found this article really interesting and I will most probably come back and take part of other hubs (registered only for this one as it is now). I am a university student in Sweden, currently writing an essay in computer science. This essay stumbles across the intriguing question stated in this article, basically has technology outrun the human mind. I would love if you could give me any tips on sources you've been working with to be able to strenghten the facts in the article (if you have been working with any).

Keep it up and thanks!

Sincerely,

Henry

It may be possible to frame the question in a slightly different way: Are some technologies progressing too fast relative to other technologies? Here's the example that I had in the back of my mind.

The technology for creating inexpensive, yummy, and (dare I say?) addictive junk food has outpaced the technology for sustainable fat loss (without the nasty pharmaceutical side-effects). Back in the early 1970s, we had not even settled on the name, junk food. One American biochemist, in an attempt to be risqué, suggested the expression, "naked calories."

Here's another perspective on anti-matter: Nature has been creating the stuff for many millions of years right here on Earth. Positron emission is one of several modes of natural radioactive decay. The positron is the anti-matter version of our friend, the electron. When two 'trons' of opposite charge meet, the result is Mutually Assured Destruction--to borrow a quaint Cold War expression--plus a bit of gamma radiation.

Voted up and interesting.

Provocative as always, Nell, and full of fodder for thought. When I was in college, we were taught that the first programmable computer (the Colossus) was built in 1943, and was the size of a fairly large room. We were also informed that if the space program had grown from its inception at the same rate as computer technology had in its first twenty years, 2 weeks after the Wright Brothers we would have landed a man on the moon. Whether all this techno stuff is good is a subject of much debate. We've developed wonderful vaccines and cures and organ transplanting-and the planet continues to progress towards overcrowding. Advancements in most any area, in fact, will have a counteractive detraction as well. It's not that technology is bad...as you say, it's the ability to apply that technology in a way that is beneficial that's wanting. We should stop concentrating on if we can, and more on if we should.

Hi Nell, it's a really interesting hub. :)

I think though that it's not technology that is the problem, it's the human mind. lol. Technologies can't hurt us if humans don't make them harmful.

Hugs.

A very fascinating and interesting read Nell Rose. I am glad I stopped by.

Great hub Nell. I think all new technology outpaces the generation it starts in. It takes years to settle down and realize exactly what we have and how to use it. The speed of new technology now, I believe, correlates with corporate's need to keep making money. More new technology, more dollars spent. Nothing can replace the human mind. One of the comments above referred to the new research on multi-tasking; it can't be done. Our minds can only really focus well on one thing at a time. As technology progresses hopefully we will begin to see the good and the bad and fill a need not just a want. Voted up ... good info as always.

Wow, some people have put their points forward in two or three words lol. Brilliantly written with great points. The only point I got to put there -- Human being never had much brains and now they don't any anymore.

Nell, this was such a well written hub as always that it actually inspired me to write a quote, specially for you:

"With each century we create a path that leads to our own destruction."

- Qudsia Pervez

When I was a girl in school, I wished for a magic pen to write for me. If I was a girl in school now, I'd be delighted with a computer and printer! And by the way, here in the U S some schools have stopped teaching cursive writing, so we will one day have a country of people who only know how to print.

Nell-

My kids learned to type (keyboarding) very early in school...I wish they had been taught calligraphy as well.

Data for nearly everything people say or write or communicate is stored electronically...a single electro-magnetic pulse could erase it all.

The basic tools of survival for our species have been neglected and forgotten by 90% of modern humans.

And increasingly, daily, we abdicate more and more of the control of our lives to faceless, nameless entities and our ever-present electronic gizmos.

People ranted for years about the dangers of smoking marijuana because it would cause short term memory loss. How many of your family's or friend's telephone numbers can you remember these days? Oh that's right, you just tap 2 buttons on your phone and IT remembers them for you...so far! What happens if you lose that phone and have to use another? Could you remember your OWN number?

"Dumbed down"! ya' think?

Nothing there is 'tis good or bad..." But we'll find a way to muck it up!

CP

Hi Nell. You've written an interesting hub which asks many questions, some which are between the lines. What amazes me is the expoential rate at which the human race; our knowledge and application of this intelligence is occuring. As you pointed out, devices which were considered beyond incredible are, now, rendered obsolete the moment they hit the market. I once heard the quote, "by the time it's in the store..it's already outdated." So true. Our intellectual growth seems to be "improving' much more rapidly..as compared to our ancestors...again, as you've written here.

Is technology friend or foe? boy..I wonder that almost every day when I'm frustrated w/a particular device...my computer, smart phone..whatever...even what's humming under the hood of my 20 year old automobile...which, btw, still confuses the heebie jeebies out of me! Heck how does a telephone work anyway???? JK!!

I think technology is moving ahead of our ability to fully appreciate it and use this miraculous discovery in a humane and positive manner...but, just like anything throughout history; there will always be those who abuse power..however and in whatever form that power might take...it's just human nature; sadly.

All of this, my opinion, only..certainly not written in stone!

Why haven't I visited your writing before? This is a great hub w/lots of ideas to ponder...you've hit the nail on the head multiple times...ever consider construction??? LO! Up Useful, Interesting, Awesome!!!

It seems that technology will progress unstoppably bringing its (more) positive and negative sides. With good education and morality we hope that human will utilize technology wisely and all for our benefits. I like the topic you bring in this hub, Thank you.

Hi Nell. There was a story over here recently about a guy that bought an I-phone from-a company that will remain nameless from me- only to discover after activation that every single piece of info on his entire life was contained within. He of course was shocked and complained to the company from where it was purchased. Didn't take long for a very high placed agency to pay the gentleman a visit where the I-phone was confiscated and the man told it was all just a mistake. When technology surpasses the wisdom or even spirituality of a developing civilization it's not good. Congrats and triple tack Ms. Nell on another great and thought provoking Hub. PS- what you say we open an old-fashioned pub on the property of a very old farm-stead.

I have heard that the attention span of persons has decreased terribly with nono-technology.

We do retain the intest with the past to SURVIVE, which is difficult with formulating overloading information for gigantic corporations laying off for short-term profits.

This does drive a different motivation--survival with excessive information.

Thanks, Nell

An excellent discussion. I sincerely think that, for a time, technology has been advancing beyond human reasoning, however we are now moving back in the direction of designing hardware and software that is MEANT to jive well with the way our brains work. Look at the growing field of neuromarketing and you'll see this is definitely the case- plus consider the way that some of the most successful new products are designed: they're very intuitive and use simple gestures, pokes, and rudimentary human actions instead of more obscure clicks and codes. It's rather fascinating!

A brilliant hub Nell and I was not surprised to see so many comments.

I vote up for the well presented, interesting and useful hub.

Take care Nell

Eiddwen.

there are some really great technologies that make life easier, but if we use so much that we start depending on it or become addicted to its then its a problem. thanx for sharing this, Insightful.

carrie

A very very long article. After read it, I'm surprised at your brilliant ideas and writing skills. Thanks a lot for your sharing! It is really awesome!!!!

On the whole - for humans, life is definitely better where technology thrives. I do worry about the increased need for specialization. Some 300 years or more ago -not sure exactly, but probably around the time of Leibniz, it may have been possible for a single mind to know just about everything. Since we can imagine and for records we do have, technology has increased exponentially. You never know - we may some day not too far from now biologically integrate with the web.

Yes, Nell, and I see a huge chasm being created by those that own and understand the latest technology, and those that don't,(me), but I think that we were really ready mentally but not emotionally, and I feel that technology is separating us from reality more and more.

Wonderful hub! Well done.... lily

Thank you for a lovely reply, Nell. Your graciousness and wisdom show through.

There are many pessimists who can't imagine a conviction of "being good is the best thing to be" ever materializing - and have many solid arguments and example as proof; but if intelligence really has any meaning, it would have to happen - and ought to.

Of course, the definition of "good" and "evil" have also varied over time, but ultimately, it might be realized that what is good is what is most beneficial to our species, and surely killing and exploiting one another, and taking much while there are others with nothing doesn't really measure up to that. It would take some major attitude adjustments, though, for people to be willing to be less greedy with the Earth's resources and to realize they must serve more of the general good rather than being hoarded and guarded at gunpoint by some individuals exclusively. It is a massive, major change to even think of that happening. But, as you say - perhaps the very progressive inventions might contribute in some way.

One thing I feel strongly about is that it is each individual attitude which makes the difference and that those attitudes begin in early life. It can't be imposed upon persons or it is but another form of tyranny. It's that simple and that complicated. Each little individual candle being lit and brightly radiating not some mass movement.

Excellent, Excellent Hub Neil. Sometimes I wish things would slow down a bit. Everything is becoming outdated...Books, hopefully NEVER...yet there is Kindle...I do Love my Mac, don't miss the old typewriter...But a lot of Companies are being put out of Business because of the NEW Technology and Frankly that Scares me.

Man (someone said) is the only animal to create tools, all of technolgy is simply an expression of this drive. You could find an A>B>C... from fire to your cell phone or maybe to be more accurate smoke signals (fire) to cell phones.

I would suggest that the products of technology are serving the needs of the human race.

Man (someone else said) adapts the environment to him/herself while all other living things either adapt to the environment or they become extinct.

So maybe it is not the hardware that is the problem so often cited (in these Comments), maybe it is the nature of man.

Poverty does not afflict so many people because technology has developed so quickly. Hell, poverty does not afflict so many people because of anything other that man's inability to apply local interests to a global level.

Maybe it is inevitable that the troubles of Man grow with the technology he creates. Maybe whatever it is within us that can produce a computer or a cell phone is inextricably linked to the need to take from others in order to have more for oneself.

Another good one, Nell! ( In keeping with the above, I must confess that I fall victim to Hub Envy, lol that's the problem with Mankind! Some of you are gifted and some of us (others) can't handle it!)

This is, indeed, a very well done hub, Nell, and demonstrates great thought and especially - caring concern. Those are so valuable. I can just feel your concern and anguish about the events that have been happening over there - and all over, for that matter. It is heart-wrenching and I feel it too. I agree somewhat with the conclusions drawn here, but I just must mention a few things which don't quite fit neatly into them. I hesitate to focus on a different light on the subject, but I just must.

When man first discovered how to make fire, tools, and swords, they presented the challenges of how to use them with as great a demand and as serious a consequence as the inventions of the present day. Some of the people applied them to make things better and some took the opposite approach. The more enlightened saw potential for progress and benefits and taught those views to their children. And vice versa. It did have to do with their mindsets but those were not set by the new "toys" but by their heart-set, too. Perhaps the most noticeable thing about mankind is and has been the differences in personal development of its members. That keeps up with progress better in some individuals than in others. Many factors go into it, but certainly one of the major ones is how a human is taught from its birth and how it is treated in its formative years. The results have shown throughout our history on the planet.

Just think - the magnificence of the Pyramids - built with marvelous technology for its day - but upon the lives and backs of slaves, who were sacrificed to the projects for the glorification of those who craved that for themselves. How about burning witches at the stake because they didn't quite agree with the others? What invention can be pinpointed for determining that outcome?

How far "back" would we need to go to come to a better period for promoting good behavior and to an ideal "time and place" in our inventive development to assure more gentle, less selfish & greedy human beings? Could we just slip back a notch or two - in our own more recent time and stop progress with the telephone and radio? Go back to horse and buggy? Dispense with steam engines or maybe ocean going ships made interaction too easy? Is there any safety in having or not having those more than in the availability of TVs, computers and iPhones or nuclear submarines? Is communication the culprit? Would people act nice if they didn't have the conveniences of putting their ideas together so easily to plan evil deeds? Have they ever?

When periods of history occurred when there have been more peaceful and enlightened actions, thoughts and times, it was not due to more or less "things" and conveniences. It was the result of changes of heart and mind. Those don't result from or suffer from what inventions are at people's disposal, I suspect. If we pin the blame on the wrong culprits, we won't find any relief.

The prevailing "ill" is not in our things but in ourselves.

Great take on the subject and this week's challenge. I'm in two minds about whether technology is moving at a mentally healthy pace. I know for me, my brain is so overloaded with stuff, I welcome having another hard drive to store my thoughts and happily im not programmed to find excitement and adventure in the looting /rioting scene. Is technology to blame? The fact is, man' s basic instinct isn't going away anytime soon.

Very informative and interesting , i enjoyed this hub ! thanks for sharing! voted up!

This is a thought-provoking piece Nell on a subject which has crossed my mind repeatedly. Take us, for example, in our generation, whether or not people are computer savvy or even interested pivoted greatly on whether they ever learned to type...those who did not are not likely to be drawn to the computer in any great numbers. I now see a reciprocal situations taking place where younger generations totally embrace the technology on all levels and aspects of life. They no longer attempt to understand the principles associated with "why" but are far more concerned with "implementing the process" to gain the answer. This is a very dangerous time in that these folks many times do not understand what they are getting and how it was derived. Thus technology has actually dumbed down the human's ability to reason and apply logic. One place where this starts to be worrisome is when you enter the cockpit of modern airplanes and realize what an electronic world that it is and those who fly today's airplanes must master it. What we must never forget is that they must also master the "basic understandings of how to fly" along with these electronic tools which are simply "aids" to flight. Those who do not understand and maintain a proficiency at the level of hands on piloting are an accident waiting to happen. Technology can easily overrun human reasoning with all its flash and speed but for all computers can do, they cannot apply the dynamics of logic which the human mind is capable of when properly trained. We must guard against becoming mutants of the electronic world. Thanks for sharing. WB

Nah ! Man has always been a barbaric war mongering idiot !

Imagine if you will how far mankind could have progressed if each generation started from the most advanced point of the one previous. Instead we spend the first 20 years of life pretending to know it all and think that every person older than ourselves knows nothing.

Take a look around you Nell, look at London, our civilisation is going backwards, they may have all the latest toys but they use them to outwit the powers of authority and think it's COOL to create a Flash Mob !

They just swapped their clubs for a mobile phone !

What a splendid hub-and the video is just perfect to go with it! Voted up and awesome/interesting. While I am glad for the modern technology, I have to agree that there is more than a trace of misuse and abuse with it. And, of course, the dichotomy of the emotional immaturity and the technological advances. Well done.

I like technology. I was one of the first people to get a CD player in the eighties. I only wish that someone would invent a "transporter" before I die.

But what you say is true Nell. The human instinct for war, and greed is the same now as it ever was. Technology just makes it more dangerous. But the advance of science also enables us to do a lot of good in the world. I wouldn't be able to correspond with such interesting persons as yourself, if it were not for the world of electronic wizardry that makes it possible.

Maybe the ease of communication, that we have at the present, might contribute to a greater understanding between people and a bit of softening around the more harmful edges.

Perhaps the recent riots may be looked back on as the last outbreak of mankind's primitive, more base, instincts.

I hope so.

Thanks Nell for a brilliant, thought provoking article.

Great hub Nell, I can't keep up with ever changing technology. I managed to grow up without it and I wonder is it really all necessary. Of course I am over 50 so I don't have the quickness of the younger generation but my brain still holds tons of information!

my videos are in boxes. :)

We live in modern era where technology is climb up from day to day. For good example is if you buy a new cell phone in other part of the world there's a new technology above this phone. Basically human never satisfied with everything they have. So everything back to us. It's a sign that technology progressed faster. Very inspiring hub. Well done. My VOTE always for you. Cheers...

Prasetio

Genetic memory is a strong element for humans to fall back on in times of stress, danger and confusion. You bring some very well thought out points regarding the speed of our emotional and mental abilities, compared to the speed of today's technological inventions. And it is such a shame that, in fact, as advanced as humans have become, we continue to fall back to that lower brain. The danger is far increased however, as prehistoric reasoning coupled with modern technology has proved to be a VERY deadly mixture. Great hub Nell! Way up and much more!

HuubHugs~

K9

I totally agree with the Struggle to Keep Up. I work part time at Taco Bell and a lot of the immigrant workers there have smartphones! I was shocked that people who probably make only a couple bucks over minimon wage would get them. But it's difficult to get the old-fashioned cell phones. I had just recently gotten my first smartphone after having my old phone for two years and the Verizon store was all smartphones and ipads.

Hi, Nell.

The lightening speed of technology today is making life more expensive. Having to replace gadgets all the time-computer software, anyone?-just hits the bankbook

thanks for the link :)

oh, and SilverGenes-remember it is the animal world that knows inbstictiverly when a natural distaster is coming. Humans don't have any idea-at least not here where ther ar mountains. Maybe in the Praires where the eye can see off into a vanishingpoint Animals don't need technology to tell them an earthquake is coming.

Excellent hub, Nell! I'm in complete agreement with you on this. Not to worry, though. Some solar storm activity should take care of things nicely. In the mid-1800s, it had no impact because we had not yet progressed to electricity. While watching the Discovery channel the other night, the prediction is about 10 years without any electricity next time and that could be any day now. Keep those hardcover books! LOL.

On another note, a study at MIT has shown that the more gadgets we use, the less efficient we become. We only THINK we are multitasking well when in reality, we are failing to meet basic standards in several areas at once. Kind of makes that part of the job description less desirable now. Maybe we are not such clever monkeys after all - most of us don't have a clue how to survive outside our technological world.