Hammers are an amazing tool. I can do so many things now that I have a hammer that I could not do before. I have created amazing furniture, built fences that have improved the lives of my family and my neighbors, I no longer need to hire carpenters as with this tool I can do everything myself. This is amazing! I just recently started using the Generative Hammer v3.0 and it is a game changer! The things I can do with the Generative Hammer v3.0 are next level. I am starting to think my Hammer has a mind of its own. The possibilities are endless. I am using it now to replace other tools such as the screwdriver. Who would use a screwdriver now that we have Hammers! I am so looking forward to the Generative Hammer v4.0 coming out next week, The features include not only the ability to drive a nail into wood but if the press is correct it will be able to extract nails too! If this keeps up I’ll be able to not only replace the Handyman, the carpenter, and the plumber but maybe even myself! Perhaps my job is jeopardy, I hear that companies are laying off people and replacing them with the Hammer v5.0 rumored on the horizon that eliminates a human from needing to swing the hammer?
Or maybe, the hype I’m reading is from folks who seek to make money by exciting me about a technology and the promise of untold riches, the ability to replace experts who have invested years learning a craft, the folks who understand where and where not to use a tool? Perhaps this is no different than any other technology or product, there are benefits but a company selling you a product is not incentivized to clearly articulate where this technology does well and where it does not? Maybe a bit of buyer aware and doing research into how and where I would use this tool will not only serve me but society in general?
Technology and tools are great. They let us build amazing works of art, reach every end of the earth and beyond, but with anything there are valid applications and trade-offs. Technology does displace other approaches and does both good and can cause harm. A classic example of this would be the weavers in nineteenth century England (A great book I found that expanded my perspective is “Blood in the Machine” by Brian Merchant).
Perhaps we should step back from the hype, seek to understand the benefits and consequences of a given technology. Where does a technology fit and not fit a problem and apply it where it makes economic sense? Step back and realize that every company at the end of the day exists to take your money. The ideal is that they offer a great product in exchange for a fair price to which both parties benefit. The reality is regardless of benefit marketing/hype/spin will always exist. We owe it to ourselves, each other, and society to ensure we are calmly and clearly thinking about how a given technology meets a need versus starting with a technology and seeking a problem to solve! When in doubt recall Carl Sagan’s sage advice “Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.” If a company promises you that their technology does amazing things then it’s reasonable to demand to see amazing evidence of supporting this claim and don’t forget everything looks great in the brochure!