Futurologists, those who predict the future, are frequently incorrect. This is due to their inability to account for the unpredictable nature of human behaviour and the complexity of societal changes. They often possess an overly optimistic vision of technology, known as techno-utopianism, which assumes that every technological advancement will lead to societal improvement. This view neglects to consider the potential negative impacts of technology, such as job displacement and privacy issues.
Historically, many predictions about technology have been wildly inaccurate. For instance, the 1960s vision of a leisure-filled future, thanks to automation, has not materialised. Instead, people are working longer hours than ever. Similarly, the internet, once hailed as a tool for global democratisation, has become a platform for misinformation and polarisation.
Scepticism towards futurologists and techno-utopians is therefore warranted. It’s crucial to question the potential societal implications of new technologies, rather than blindly accepting them as beneficial. This will help society navigate the future in a more informed and balanced way.
Go to source article: http://www.newstatesman.com/culture/2014/04/why-futurologists-are-always-wrong-and-why-we-should-be-sceptical-techno-utopians