Harmful Effects of Technology Essay Example

Throughout history, science consistently advances, with many new creations. From cell phones, AI, and computers, science has introduced many new methods into people’s lives. Although these inventions are meant to be beneficial, the true effect of these inventions are often detrimental. In science fiction, futuristic advancements are often portrayed. This leaves science attempting to recreate these advancements. A notable invention is a memory wiping device, which can be seen in movie such as Men in Black. Although the advancements appear intriguing, the risks that would be involved in the creation, as well as the usage of the technology could potentially be detrimental to civilization.

To begin, science is always advancing, despite the consequences that can occur. As science advances, both moral and ethical boundaries are often questioned. According to EMBO Reports, “Furthermore, as scientific progress becomes increasingly fundamental to society, it is constantly challenging if not completely clashing with long-held beliefs concerning our ethical values. It is, therefore, necessary to conduct ethical discussions in order to adapt the use of scientific knowledge—namely new forms of technology—to a general context that is in agreement with the basic principles of our civilization” (Laccarino). Here, a scientific report by Maurizio Laccarino discusses whether scientists should take moral and ethical boundaries into account when creating new scientific advances. He discusses how scientists should be accountable for taking these boundaries into account, in order to make the advancement agree with the principles of civilization. If science successfully developed a device to wipe someone’s memory, this would go against any ethics in society. This could prove detrimental as it could result in many conflicts, since people’s memories could be wiped without their permission. 

Secondly, science fiction often details inventions that could occur in the future, and the outcomes of this invention. A notable memory wiping invention is the neuralyzer from Men in Black. “An electro bio-mechanical neural transmitting zero synapse repositioner, commonly referred to as a Neuralyzer is a top-secret device used by the MiB. It has the ability to wipe the mind of anybody who sees the flash via isolating and editing certain electronic impulses related to memory” (“Men in Black Fandom”). In the infamous movie, Men in Black, the top-secret agents often use the neuralyzer to wipe civilian’s memories after they witness an encounter with an extraterrestrial. Although this proves beneficial in the movies, if this device were to be created, scientists would have limitless power over ordinary civilians.  For this object to be created, scientists would be forced to conduct many experiments with the new device. This could further prove detrimental as it could pose a harmful effect on the subjects. 

Furthermore, following the risks of creating the device, there would be both risks and benefits if the device was successfully created. If scientists succeeded in creating a memory wiping device, it could prove detrimental to human life. Civilians would be at risk for losing their memories at any given moment. This would also go against ethic boundaries, as civilians may have their memories wiped against their wishes. Science could gain excessive power from having the device, and this could result in scientists attempting to rule the world. However, despite the risks involved, there could be benefits to having a device that can wipe memories. “Erasing fear memories identified as the source of anxiety, panic, phobia, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) could be an effective therapy when they fail to respond to other treatments” (Glannon). If science had a device that could wipe memories, it could potentially help thousands of people. Scientists would be able to erase harmful memories that plagued people’s thoughts. Furthermore, if people were able to rid themselves of bad memories, it could improve people’s mental health, and could significantly lower suicide rates. However, despite the possible benefits that could occur, scientists should not be allowed to create this device, as the risks are too high. 

In conclusion, although scientists have the power to create advanced things, it does not mean they always should. If scientists push the limits too far, the end results can be dangerous. Despite the benefits that could occur as a result of the creation of a neuralyzer, the risks outweigh the benefits. Not only could the creation of this device be potentially harmful to the subjects, but the usage of the device could prove harmful as well. The new device would be morally and ethnically wrong, as scientists could wrongfully wipe one’s memories. As you can see, despite the beneficial possibilities that could occur with the creation of a neuralyzer, the unknown possibilities prove too great of a risk to civilization.