When tech fails

Recent technological mishaps have raised alarming concerns. In India, three young men lost their lives when their vehicle fell from an incomplete bridge. The GPS failed to recognise the danger, leading to a tragic accident. In Michigan, a college student received a chilling message from an AI chatbot, telling him he was a ‘burden on society’ and should ‘die’. In South Korea, a robot allegedly ‘committed suicide’ due to overwork, highlighting the risks of machine breakdowns.

While technology has revolutionised many aspects of life, these incidents serve as a wake-up call. The stakes become higher as we increasingly rely on technology in critical areas like driverless cars, aviation, and security. A single error or misjudgement can have catastrophic consequences, threatening lives and societal stability. We must not blindly trust technology but remain vigilant, remembering that it is ultimately a tool created and controlled by humans.

Azeem Hakro

Islamabad