TECHNOPHOBIA: Why we fear the future.
ANDREY KOLESNIKOV, Internet of Things Association
IRINA LEVOVA, Internet Research Institute
ILYA PEREDOV, Communion of Catholic Coaches
On March 20, a regular session of the Digital Reality discussion club was held focused on technophobia – the fear of technology. Participants explored why people fear innovation, how such fears emerge, and strategies to adapt to a rapidly changing world.
Andrey Kolesnikov, Director of the Internet of Things Association, noted that fear of the new is a natural human response.
“History offers many examples: from steam engines, which people believed would kill humans at speeds of 30 km/h, to mechanical clocks whose ticking was once called the ‘voice of the devil.’ People fear losing control, jobs, or privacy. But technology is merely a tool – its impact depends on how we use it. Many fears stem from ignorance and a lack of education,” he emphasized.
Irina Levova, Director of Strategic Projects at the Internet Research Institute, agreed, adding that safety concerns are a key driver of fear.
“People once feared credit cards, worrying their money would be stolen. Today, similar fears surround new technologies. Fear often arises from a lack of understanding. When you know how something works, it becomes less intimidating. We must categorize fears and address them through education and rational approaches,” she stated.
Mikhail Anisimov, the discussion’s moderator, highlighted fear’s irrational nature.
“Fear is a primal reaction to the unknown. Our minds panic first and rationalize later. Literature, including science fiction, plays a vital role by helping us ‘pre-experience’ fears. Each generation faces new challenges: modern children are not afraid of smartphones, unlike their grandparents, because they are normalized. As progress accelerates, we must learn to adapt faster,” he remarked.
Ilya Peredov, journalist and theologian, underscored that fears have concrete roots.
“The myth of Daedalus and Icarus tells of wings made from feathers and wax to escape Crete. Daedalus cautioned his son against flying too near the sun, yet Icarus, enthralled by the thrill of flight, soared too high. Consequently, the wax melted, leading to his demise. This story serves as a reminder that while technology is a potent instrument, it must be wielded with care, with an awareness of its limitations and risks,” he remarked.
The full recording of the Digital Reality discussion is available on the Coordination Center’s YouTube and Rutube channels, as well as its VK page.
