I’ve had a revelation: Technology is dangerous! New technology holds a sometimes unpalatable element of the unknown. Older technology can leave you vulnerable to attacks or showcase your unhealthy relationship to change. And to make matters worse, some technology is controlled by humans! Add an element of human error, and technology is downright scary!

The first car came out in 1885. In 134 years, the car has been loaded with thousands of safety features, yet we still have about 1.24 million people dying around the world annually from car crashes. No matter how advanced technology becomes, it’s still dangerous. And that danger is compounded when humans are involved, adding their own element of uncertainty.

To avoid the peril of driving, I could shop online to gather the items I need to live. But that opens me up to another pool of risk. The risk of death is likely minimal while ordering groceries in my pajamas in the living room, but I’m opening myself up to identity theft.

Life or Death?

We’re all entitled to have our own preconceived notions. And there may be truth in every one of them. But just because something is dangerous doesn’t mean it should be avoided at all costs. There are ways to manage risk. And think of all the good that comes from technology, even technology created for nefarious purposes.

Take unmanned aerial devices or drones. Initially developed for use during war, the very technology created for taking lives is now being used to save them. Drones are being used to deliver emergency medicine and blood for transfusions at hospitals around the globe.

Without ying, there is no yang. Without Republicans, there are no Democrats. Without women, there are no men. Without failure, there is no progress.

Before we demonize and chastise advancements in technology, we have to let them play out. Progress doesn’t happen when we become shut-ins or stifle new technologies. They may not all be beneficial at first, but you never know what might come later.

If you wait, those technologies just might save lives.