Rainbow Mirrors: Technology and Our Collective Moral Imagination

Abstract

Recent narratives about technology and the future have been dominated by dystopian futures, limiting our collective imagination. This is not merely a product of technology itself but is deeply rooted in the bio-psycho-social dynamics of our historical context. Humans have a natural tendency to focus on problems, often exhibiting a negativity bias that is exacerbated by the relentless pace and stressors of modern life and the pervasive exposure to stress-inducing media. While Antonio Gramsci’s notion of cultural hegemony [1] illuminates how dominant societal forces can shape our perceptions and values, the prevalence of dystopian views about technology also reflects broader societal concerns. These range from genuine fears about privacy and autonomy to anxieties about technology’s role in widening social inequalities. Such dynamics do not merely reinforce fear and anxiety but also create a fertile ground for “dark mirrors”—narratives in our cultural imagination that reflect our deepest fears and foster cycles of pessimism about the role of technology in our future.