Michael Zimmer makes some interesting points about the current issue of Technology Review, the theme of which is "social technology". From his blog:
Technology Review just doesn't understand the complex relationship between technology and society. I've been a reader of MIT's flagship magazine for a few years now, and have had mixed feelings about its contents. At times, they've provided thoughtful insights into emerging technologies and trends, but too often, they seem to ignore many of the social impacts of the technologies they exault. In short, TR too often engages in technological utopianism without properly assessing the social, value and ethical implications of our emerging technologies. [...]
Link: Thinking About Technology: "Technology Review" just doesn't get it.
I haven't seen the issue yet, but I plan to pick up a copy. I'm not a long-time reader, but I think they sometimes do try to consider social implications of technology, at least a little more than other tech magazines. I'm thinking of their recent critical article on Aubrey de Grey, which generated quite a backlash. No doubt there is much room for improvement, though.
By the way, Technology Review editor Jason Pontin's blog is good reading, and he does seem pretty open to alternate viewpoints.
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