Science fiction often portrays technology as something positive that eventually takes a dark turn. The robots rebel, the supercomputer takes over the world, and humanity often pays a high price for hubris and an over-investment in technological solutions to our problems. Many people believe that this future is increasingly plausible as our real-world technologies become more sophisticated and intertwined in our lives. After all, our phones always know where we are, our smart speakers listen in 24/7, and facial recognition software improves every day. Is it even possible to avoid this technological dystopia feared by so many? Absolutely. In Promises and Perils of Technology, five insightful experts explain why they have tremendous optimism for the future. This is not blind idealism, as they also know and explain the perils of living in the “technic”—a world so awash in technology that we are as oblivious to its presence as fish are to water. The five accomplished individuals who host this series include technology entrepreneur Caterina Fake, journalist David Kushner, biomedical scientist Dr. Knatokie Ford, retired NASA astronaut Leland Melvin, digital strategist Taryn Southern, and neuroscientist Dr. Crystal Dilworth. They dig beneath the generalizations to reveal what we can all do to make sure the future of technology is the future we want. In this fascinating discussion, you will learn the many ways in which the algorithms ingrained in so many business models already direct our experiences. But you will also learn about the fascinating ways in which biohacking is improving our lives even today, and the benefits it could hold for our future. From the excitement of gaming to the medical impact of virtual reality, from the importance of equity in the STEM world to the life-changing significance of seeing our planet from outer space, Promises and Perils of Technology will open your eyes and your mind to a fascinating future.
Wondrium Insights: Promises and Perils of Technology

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01: Caterina Fake: Keeping Humanity in Our Technology
Would you prepare for a life in technology by studying literature in college? That’s exactly the path taken by Caterina Fake, technology developer (founder of Flickr) and venture capitalist. Fake believes the humanities—e.g., ethics, philosophy—must be a crucial part of technology going forward. Learn what can go wrong when developers are educated only in coding and explore the benefits of having a wider base of knowledge before making the next technological leap. Instead of technology making us less human, it can be developed to nurture human society.

02: David Kushner: Chronicling the Evolution of Digital Culture
Journalist David Kushner reminds us that the story of technology is the fascinating story of the coders’ creativity, ambition, and irrepressible desire to overcome obstacles. Yes, we are now living in a world of block-chain gaming, nonfungible tokens, augmented reality, and additional nomenclature that can be off-putting to some. But you’ll see why Kushner’s fascinating experiences reporting on digital culture since its birth lead him to challenge us to “just jump in.” How else can we discover the promises and perils of technology in our personal worlds?

03: Dr. Knatokie Ford: Bringing Diversity to STEM Education
Who looks like a scientist? Dr. Knatokie Ford says we all do. Biomedical scientist Ford will take you deep into the policies and plans that are needed to ensure that every child can imagine himself or herself as a scientist. Discover why it is crucial to foster inclusion in the technology space, and the significant difference between equality and equity. Studies have proven that team diversity increases innovation in problem-solving. But even for students who are not going into STEM jobs, learn why Ford pushes hard for them to have a STEM education, too.

04: Leland Melvin: Exploring Our Future in Space
If you had the opportunity to work on the International Space Station, it’s easy to imagine that you would be fascinated and enthralled by the science. That was certainly the case for retired NASA astronaut, materials science engineer, and former NFL player Leland Melvin. But beyond the science and technology, Melvin’s biggest takeaway from space was about people. Explore what he felt he could accomplish in space that had eluded humanity on Earth—and why the answer is always about the people, never about the technology alone.

05: Taryn Southern: Hacking Our Bodies and Minds
Since adapting technology as her “window to the outside world” at a very young age, digital strategist Taryn Southern has never lost her boundary-pushing passion to see what’s just over that next hill. Bringing cutting-edge technology into her award-winning work in art, music, filmmaking, virtual reality, and more, she is absolutely optimistic about the future of technology. Discover her fascinating personal and professional stories about biohacking, and why she firmly believes technology can help all of us live our best lives.