Looking at judgment stems back to a conversation over twenty years ago. My son and I were writing something about technology and religion, which prompted me to ask my wife what she thought was our greatest loss from the tremendous growth in modern technology. Without hesitation, she answered, “Accountability.”
I was fascinated partially because being religious can be read as being accountable. I wondered if this was another way technology is replacing religion to society’s loss. I was also surprised because I did not expect her answer or the speed with which she delivered it.
Sensing this, she brought up three things that happened in just the previous two days. Twenty-nine of the 30 youths in the high school reading group acknowledged they lied on social media. They laughed about it being fun pretending to be someone from the opposite sex. We had also discussed with a money manager some questionable uses of hedge funds to minimize risk. And finally, we found that machines had completely replaced persons who were taking tolls on the turnpike.
It makes sense. The best motivation for being accountable is knowing that there’s going to be face-to-face personal contact in the future. i am more inclined to keep my word and tell the truth if I know I will see you regularly.
Technology has certainly reduced personal relationships. Individuals are increasingly isolated as machines supply more and more of their needs. Many claim to be lonely.
On the other hand, technology promotes the mass. Most politics is national; most business global. Most knowledge relies on huge algorithms; most entertainment on many spectators. The individual feels small and lost in the crowd.
If you feel you don’t count, you see no need to be accountable.
Christianity motivates wanting to be accountable by providing community and proclaiming the worth of every individual. Good judgment perceives this and evaluates its performance. It is just what we need to live well in this technological society.
