The technological 'exposure' of populations; characterisation and future reduction. (August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Robertson, Lindsay J.
• Is Part Of: Futures. Volume 121(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-08
• Subjects: Technological vulnerability -- Population exposure -- Individual vulnerability -- Threat -- Decentralised production; Economic forecasting -- Periodicals; Technological forecasting -- Periodicals; Economic policy -- Periodicals; Prévision économique -- Périodiques; Prévision technologique -- Périodiques; Politique économique -- Périodiques; Economic forecasting; Economic policy; Technological forecasting; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 330.0112
• DOI: 10.1016/j.futures.2020.102584
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0016-3287

Abstract

Highlights: Individual vulnerability to technology failure can be quantified by considering the 'exposure' of relevant technological systems, and high technological exposure fields can be identified Evaluation of technological vulnerability can be extended to populations of individuals, and population exposure is identified as high and increasing. Working from a theoretical basis, approaches to reduced population technological exposure/vulnerability can be identified, and the value of decentralisation can be specifically identified. The current and future significance of technological vulnerability/exposure, and the practicality of paradigm changed to lower exposure are identified. Abstract: The nature and level of individuals' exposure to technological systems has been explored previously and is briefly restated here. This paper demonstrates how the concept of technological exposure can be extended to generic needs of individuals, and further to the needs of populations of individuals and even as far as "existential threats" to humanity. Technological categories that incur high levels of population exposure are explored, and categories are described. A theoretical basis for reducing population exposure is developed from the basic concepts of technological exposure. Technological developments that potentially enable less centralised societies having lower levels of population exposure, are considered for practicality and effectiveness as are the factors that could allow and cause transition to a less technologically centralised model. Some conclusions regarding practicality, triggers, and issues arising from a decentralised society are considered and include the key conclusion that a higher level of decentralisation and exposure reduction is both desirable and possible.