I often scan the newspapers and magazines looking for new technology news. However, since I’ve become paranoid and cynical in my old age I usually end up trying to figure out how the technology can be used for the wrong purposes. Stuff like cloning, cybernetic implants, and the like.
Recently, I read about a new software program that allows its user to run amok on the Web without leaving a trace. The good side? well, I feel that, as long as I’m not breaking the law, it’s nobody’s business what I look at or research on the internet, but with this new program, one could be tempted to send nasty e-mails and other such nonsense. In fact, the article mentioned how much harder it would be to track down such scum of the earth as child pornographers and terrorists.
I saw that on ZDTV last night and could not believe it. It scares the hell out of me. I’ve been stalked on line, and only the threat of prosecution after tracking their IP number made them back off and leave me alone. I shudder to imagine what kind of hateful, nasty and cruel things people will do when they know they can get away with it without leaving a shred of evidence as to their identity.
“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” - Anne Frank
I believe that both any and all technology are like a candle- it makes both a light, and a shadow. It is not possible to make anything for just a ‘good’ purpose, as it can be distorted simply by giving that ‘good’ thing to an ‘evil’ person. While the vast majority of its use will be for just normal, everyday, ‘good’ things, you are going to have your exceptions.
I partially share your concern with genetic cloning, but the reason them actually going through genetic procedures to get a completely compliant race is virtually non-existant. If you would, take a look at the school system. They encourage children to write , and only write, right handed, even if they were born left. They place children through a series of circumstances, and it tends to catagorize them well…this is why you have the school catagories such as Jock, Nerd, Weird, Prep, etc.
A quote from The Simpsons explains it all- “Bart needs to be less of an individual, and more of a faceless slug.”(Quoted from the school psychologist)
Sad, but true… this is what our educational system does now. Just open your eyes- they already have a compliant race.
IP spoofing has been around about as long as the internet has… it’s not even difficult. There are worse things to worry about. Like finding out someone has put BackOrifice on your machine. Or WinNuke.
As far as cloning goes, I thing that technology is going to be a big part of our future. I think we like our individuality too much to try to manufacture a master race… I think the big question is what righs do clones have. Me, I want to clone myself, only without a head, and keep a backup of all my organs. Yes, we can do that now. But can you imagine the religious shitstorm?
What I don’t get is how anyone can equate cloning with bringing someone back to life. They’re as much the same person as twins are. Hmmm… do clones have souls? If no, do twins?
http://www.madpoet.com
Computers have let mankind make mistakes faster than any other invention, with the possible exception of tequila and handguns.
Cloning’s the least of it. Wait until we have full genetic control over physical and mental traits. You only have to look at what we’ve done to dogs to guess what’ll happen.
Got to go with Mad Poet on this one. If aa person s smart enough and careful enough, he can pretty much ghost anywhere he wants without fear of reprisal. Making a program to ghost without a IP is pretty straightlaced and I can guarantee that someone will come up with something to trace them (if they have not already done so…look at BO2K). But the best hacks in the world will never be discovered for they don’t tell how they do it.
Tyler Durden: You are not your job. You are not the money in your bank account. You are not the car you drive. You are not how much money is in your wallet. You are not your fucking khakis. You are the all-singing, all-dancing crap of the world.
I usually end up trying to figure out how the technology can be used for the wrong purposes. Stuff like cloning, cybernetic implants, and the like.