Regulation of Technology

The onset of technological development dates back to the ancient times when man started implementing various systems to overcome challenges that hampered crucial undertakings. Technology has gained attention from various parties. An analysis of the day-to-day activities illustrates different ways in which technology continues to play a central role in various aspects of human life. It has become an important tool in communication, business transactions, medicine, entertainment and transport. Despite its numerous advantages, technology can turn into a tool for destruction within diverse aspects of human life. The possibility of such an outcome has created debates within professional and social circles on the need to regulate technology. Although the opponents of technology regulation cite the need to maintain a flexible environment that is conducive for progressive technological innovations, research shows that subjecting interactive media technology, biomedical engineering and surveillance technology to rule and regulations is necessary to avert various possible crises.

Evidence shows that interactive media technology plays a central role in shaping values, norms and social interaction especially among children and the youth. Violent video and computer games have negative effects on the behavior of young people who are the main consumers. Long-term exposure to violent environments slowly conditions people to accept violence and increases aggression tendencies (Brownsword, 2008). Devices such as videogames and computers consume an individual’s free time. People tend to spend more time on media entertainment and allocate little time to other activities. This affects social skills and interaction. Passive medium such as the Television requires minimal skills and thinking to use. Thus, although this technology acts as a form of entertainment, it hampers creativity and meaningful interaction. In addition, the content in such media affects values and beliefs.

Human tissue technology is one of the most rapidly changing fields in science and technology. The involvement in human tissues and cells highlights the need for the regulation of this technology as it deals with intricate matters relating to human life. It should operate within certain rules and regulations in order to minimize risks associated with the engineering of medical treatments and their use. Guidelines concerning the commercialization of human materials and parts are curial. Legislative vacuums in human tissue technology are likely to result in various disasters associated with human biology (Galigekere, 2012). Another technological concern relates to genetically modified foods (GMOs) which are considerably gaining favor among nations due to decreasing food security associated with climatic changes throughout the world. GMOs pose numerous health and environmental effects if their production occurs in an unregulated environment. Imposing safeguards especially during production will eliminate risks associated with genetic engineering.

Surveillance technology poses numerous threats to personal privacy. Regulation of this technology will help to distinguish between acceptable and unacceptable surveillance approaches. Unregulated surveillance creates loopholes for the collection of information on individuals by employing tools such as CCTVs without their consent. Individuals who obtain information on another person or body without any legal binding regulations can use the information to serve their interests without considering any restrictions (Murphy, 2009). Intruding into an individual’s life and that of his family should only occur if there is a plausible cause to do so. Privacy is a human right that individuals, institutions and government bodies should respect. 

The adoption of measures that regulate the development and use of technology is vital for any country or state that seeks to mitigate risks posed by technology. Despite the need to safeguard people and the environment against the effects of unregulated technologies, applications of rules and policies should occur in such a manner that it does not slow down or halt technological progress. The strictness of regulation should consider aspects relating to costs, risks, benefits and practicability associated with a particular technology.