AI and Technological Change: the Postman Always Delivers

Mar 11, 2025

The hosts delve into the rapid pace of AI advancements and their societal implications, referencing Neil Postman's critical insights. They discuss the dual nature of technology, exploring its benefits and harms. Navigating tech dependence reveals anxieties tied to cashless transactions. The episode emphasizes the importance of critical thinking in education, expressing concerns over potential skills erosion. Historical parallels illustrate the complex relationship with innovation, advocating for responsible technology integration and community engagement in shaping the future.

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Intro

00:00 • 3min

Engaging with Our Audience

03:04 • 4min

Navigating the AI Landscape: Reflections and Insights

07:19 • 4min

Reflections on Technological Evolution

11:30 • 15min

AI in Education: Balancing Innovation and Skills

26:10 • 7min

Navigating Tech Dependence and its Discontents

33:01 • 19min

The Inescapable Ecology of Technology

52:04 • 5min

The Mythos of Technology and Responsibility

57:15 • 11min

In this insightful episode, Sean Leahy and Andrew Maynard frame ways of thinking and processing the increased speed of technological change, examining the complexities of AI (and other emergent technologies) and its profound implications for society. Drawing historical parallels and reflecting on cultural narratives, the hosts discuss technology's dual nature—both beneficial and harmful—referencing Neil Postman’s critical perspectives as presented in his 1998 talk "Five Things We Need to Know About Technological Change". They explore the 'Faustian bargain' of technological trade-offs, the winners and losers, embedded biases, ecological impact, and mythic status of technologic innovations and change. Through their exploration, Sean and Andrew underscore the necessity of critical thinking and foundational skills, advocating for responsible and inclusive approaches to technological development.

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Modem Futura is a production of the Future of Being Human initiative at Arizona State University. Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. To learn more about the Future of Being Human initiative and all of our other projects visit - https://futureofbeinghuman.asu.edu

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Host Bios:

Sean M. Leahy, PhD - ASU Bio
Sean is an an internationally recognized technologist, futurist, and educator innovating humanistic approaches to emerging technology through a Futures Studies approach. He is a Foresight Catalyst for the Future of Being Human Initiative and Research Scientist for the School for the Future of Innovation in Society and Senior Global Futures Scholar with the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory at Arizona State University.

Andrew Maynard, PhD - ASU Bio
Andrew is a scientist, author, thought leader, and Professor of Advanced Technology Transitions in the ASU School for the Future of Innovation in Society. He is the founder of the ASU Future of Being Human initiative, Director of the ASU Risk Innovation Nexus, and was previously Associate Dean in the ASU College of Global Futures.

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