The simple fact that "technological progress sometimes is and sometimes ain't" (101) should be the primary statement to consider when scrutinizing the technological transformation that the entire world is undergoing. Every individual, worldwide, is either directly or indirectly affected by this technological transmutation. It is being dismissed, but should be central, that "human culture depends on the shared evidence of the senses and these senses are what inextricably intertwines every human with all other humans and is the foundation for all human morals" (101). Throughout the essay "The Road to Unreality," Mark Slouka warns against these effects and concludes that, without thorough investigation and careful consideration of future implications, this new technologically created reality will desensitize humans, demoralizing our existence to the point of unreality.

This essay is pointing out the simple fact that humans, while extremely bright, are quite dim-witted when offered a choice. Ironically, the human mind has conceived of and developed technology so effectively that humanity is not a necessity. People have become mindlessly immersed in technological advancements and their conveniences, to the point that they have defaulted to the options offered in a pull-down menu without considering or demanding another category--an exit option that would appear when the realization that we've overstepped our human limitations dawns. By the time humans realize the implications of their benightedness, they will be credited with the total moral and sensory degredation of the literate human race. The survivors will be anthropocentric creatures without the finances to develop into technological demigods--those who hold morals as necessary and honest human sensory reality as the communication bridge connecting people.

Slouka asserts that technological innovation has its own logic, often separate from questions of value and ethics, and that some technologies--particularly those that promise or threaten to transform human culture as we know it--bear watching (102). Although he cannot guarantee absolute inhumanity will be produced in the process of this transformation, Slouka warns that, unless careful consideration is given to well worn truths, the free market can unleash forces difficult to control. If not, then central human qualifiers will be significantly distorted.

I agree with Slouka to a degree. The common person, uneducated in the development of technologies, is not inclined or qualified to perform a long term study evaluating the potential beneficial or detrimental effects on an unsuspecting human race. The consumers of these technologies are grateful for the quality-of-life improvements these technologies offer and are persuaded by the propaganda perpetuated by the advertising agencies employed by those promoting technology. I think he does not consider that those in power, such as governmental regulatory agencies, will modernize along with the technological revolution, employing their own teams of cybergurus, and will not allow rebellious sects of Epunks to rise to ultimate power. Moreover, the common person who relies on a PC to operate in the business world more efficiently and who employs Email as a means to budget a long distance telephone bill ultimately realizes that advancing technologies are merely supplements to human communication and interaction.

Slouka, Mark. "The Road to Unreality." CyberReader. 2nd ed. Ed. Victor J. Vitanza. Needham Heights, MA: Allyn & Bacon, 1999. 95-102.

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