This is the story of a seductive idea. Over the past century, the
potential of new technology to solve social dilemmas has captivated
modern culture. From apps that encourage physical activity to airport
scanners meant to prevent terrorism, the concept that clever innovation
can improve society is irresistible, but faith in such technological
fixes is seldom questioned. Where did this idea come from, what makes it
so appealing, and how does it endanger our future? Techno-Fixers traces
the source of modern confidence in technology to engineering hubris,
radical utopian movements, science fiction fanzines, policy-makers'
soundbites, corporate marketing, and optimistic consumer culture from
the turn of the twentieth century until today. Sean Johnston
demonstrates that, through the promotion of prominent government
scientists, technocrats, entrepreneurs, and popular media, modern
invention became the favourite tool for addressing human problems and
society's ills. Nonetheless, when it comes to assessing the success of
cigarette filters as the solution to safe smoking, or DDT as the answer
for agricultural productivity, the evidence is sobering. Cautioning that
the rhetoric of technological fixes seldom matches reality, Johnston
examines how employing innovation to bypass traditional methods can
foster as many problems as it solves. A critical examination of modern
faith in technology, Techno-Fixers evaluates past mistakes, present
implications, and future opportunities for innovating societies.
