Technological Realism
Typology
Peter Limberg:
"A dialectic has emerged around people's attitudes toward technology:
Techno-optimism: Technology is viewed as a net good, and progress should be accelerated for humanity to prosper. Venture capitalist Marc Andreesen and his 2023 manifesto represent this perspective, as do many in the "TESCREAL"1 crowd.
Techno-pessimism: Technology is seen as a net negative, and progress should be slowed, perhaps even to the point of societal collapse, for humanity to survive. Eco-terrorist Ted Kaczynski and his 1995 manifesto exemplify this view, along with various online doomer tribes.
Techno-realism (the synthesis): Technology is neither inherently good nor bad but presents both great promise and significant risks. Since we cannot fully escape it, we must learn to live with it wisely. This nascent view is represented by systems theorist Daniel Schmachtenberger and technology ethicist Tristan Harris, particularly through the Center for Humane Technology (CHT).
While techno-realism seems like the wisest approach, the wider culture appears to wrestle between the extremes of optimism and pessimism."