Full disclaimer, I don’t spend nearly the amount of time on social media as others, but I do have Twitter, Instagram, and still maintain Facebook.

In older sci-fi, readers and viewers were amazed when characters could communicate with the touch of a button. They saw this communication as an achievement that would change the face of the future. But I wonder if they ever thought about the downside?

A lot of times we are enthralled by new.

The tech doesn’t necessarily make the world a better place, but because it is new we love it. Why would I want to knock on a door when I can call? Why call when I can text? Why text when I can send an emoji?

I can control the thermostat from my bed or from across the country.

My car can get into accidents without me having to actually control it.

I am able to order food at the click of a button and not have to burn any calories actually getting that food.

Some sci-fi creators have plumbed the depths of the drawbacks of tech.

Ash from Alien comes to mind. Asimov’s i, Robot causes concern. What about the remnant of the human race in Wall-E.

Neil postman has a famous quote … Technology always has unforeseen consequences, and it is not always clear, at the beginning, who or what will win, and who or what will lose …

I wrote a short story a while back that I’m posting alongside this one.

Think before you jump into something. Is what you are doing actually beneficial or is it just new and shiny? Ask questions and keep growing your mind. Lastly, keep in mind that much of that sci-fi tech we are in love with was presented, tongue-in-cheek, by authors who wondered where we were headed.

On that note, keep on reading, keep on questioning the answers, and keep on flying the Black.