Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Source: IE
Technophobia is the tendency of individuals or societies to exhibit resistance, fear, or negative attitudes toward emerging technologies.
Examples of Technophobia:
| Technology | Description |
| Railroads | In the early days of railroads, some people perceived them as the work of the devil, expressing fear and concerns about the speed, vibrations, and potential health impacts associated with train travel. |
| Nuclear Energy | The development of nuclear energy sparked widespread fear and worry, particularly after incidents like the Three Mile Island accident and the Chornobyl meltdown. |
| Artificial Intelligence | The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence has generated fears of job displacement, loss of human control, and potential misuse of AI technology. |
| Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) | Genetically modified organisms have faced resistance and criticism due to concerns about potential health risks, environmental impacts, and ethical implications of manipulating the genetic makeup of plants and animals. |
Reason for “technophobia”: It can be attributed to various factors such as complexity, lack of knowledge, fear of losing control, and emotional responses.
Usage: Such terms and related examples can be used in the Essay to highlight psychological fear related to ‘new technologies’.
