[germainebull]

In certain places of the world, certain technologies that are commonplace in the developed world are in-existent. If you live in the developed world, do you ever reflect on the fact that you are interacting with technology that others may never access in decades? Do you feel that you are unfairly advantaged?

[Fergal]

That's not something I have thought about a huge amount in relation to technology. Probably because I often think about the fact that I have a roof over my head and quality food to eat, when there are many others in the world who don't.

Some years ago I read a book about eBay called "The Perfect Store", it's a great book. The author had a very interesting story about how eBay was helping people in third world countries bypass middlemen and sell their goods directly to consumers through the use of eBay. Obviously giving third world businesses this access to technology had a significant impact on the owners and their families.

[oldbuddy]

In certain places of the world, certain technologies that are commonplace in the developed world are in-existent. If you live in the developed world, do you ever reflect on the fact that you are interacting with technology that others may never access in decades? Do you feel that you are unfairly advantaged?

Not at all, I don't have time to even think about it as I apply everything I can toward improving my own situation. I have seen too many people immigrate to the US from all over the world, so I guess I figure that if they don't like their environment they should do what needs to be done to change it.

[ceci]

Good question. But, I would think we are paying off with using these high tech appliances like we might face some radioactive that they might not. More cancer cases found in the developed world too, for instance.

[skysnap]

In 1998 to 2002, I was paying 20$ a day for internet access. And I used to sit at library to chat and learn stuff. It was very expensive at that time in india. After 2007 the rate of internet slashed in india and it became easier to have access to stuff. Now everything that gets released in US pretty much gets released here in few days or weeks at the most. So we are not lagging behind.

But I do remember the days in 90s, where things were slow and it was harder to get access to tech. My financial situation also contributed to not allowing me to enjoy those things.

I do think people benefit from the new tech and all but at the grass root level, people need to solve different set of problems. And I think for that I feel I am not at their place. I wish in ideal world none of us have to go through suffering but having a tech gadget or not is not really beneficial in the long run as we assumed it was.

For those who made it to the top, should never feel guilty for having it, but should feel thankful to their stars or gods whatever applies that they are not down below.

[germainebull]

Good question. But, I would think we are paying off with using these high tech appliances like we might face some radioactive that they might not. More cancer cases found in the developed world too, for instance.

Good point. But, I guess most of these disadvantaged people would accept such effects of advanced tech for the benefits derived from using such tech.