Drafting the Annotations

1) Burrows, Mathew J., and Thomas R. Pickering. TECHNOLOGY: MYTHS AND
               REALITIES. Atlantic Council, 2019, pp. 38–47, Global Risks 2035 Update:
               Decline or New Renaissance?, www.jstor.org/stable/resrep20949.8. Accessed
               31 Mar. 2021.

Burrows states that technology can both have its negatives and positives and despite those efforts, they still have made a big revolution for humankind. With both sides, the growth of smart technology and software has become a controversial issue that, as Burrow puts it, will diminish appreciation for the benefits that were derived from them. In Burrow’s perspective, they discuss how there is a domestic issue when it comes to technology because of the relation with China and the United States; essentially that both compete to have the best resources available. They mention that while both have advantageous education and technology growth appreciation, it can hinder human society. Burrow explains that while having technology helps run a country, it isn’t something that can be completely advantageous. “In other words, while a new technology may reach a developing country faster than ever before, it is not necessarily reaching the majority of people in that country” (Burrows, 41). The additional machinery that is put into society can make jobs disappear and cause disruptions. These replacement jobs that come with minimal skills are being taken over by machines that lead to economic disparities between different families/groups of people. “Along with job insecurity and declining wage levels for the less skilled is the issue of growing income and wealth inequalities. Inequalities have been creeping up for decades, but there is now more evidence that technology has increased the momentum of the growing gaps” (Burrows, 44). Based on Burrow’s theory, these factory jobs that machines can easily take over were jobs given to those who solely rely on this kind of income, and the increase in technology makes it evident how it creates a gap. Essentially, the input of technology should be regulated, according to Burrow; and creates negative complications.

Technology could be embraced but it should also be regulated in regards to the job market. While technology presents to us, a great reaching society, it can introduce worries for individuals. While reading the source, I completely agree with the author because not only does he present the idea that it can progress society, they mention that it isn’t necessarily a new renaissance. Technology shouldn’t lead us, it can help us with a cashless society and assist us, but it shouldn’t be an alternative to people and their jobs. Burrows has a strong argument that too much technology can lead to a decline in the idea of progression. “A recent World Bank study reported increasing achievement in developing countries, but significant gaps remain” (Burrow, 42). As the author depicts with a source, the idea that technology changes society is a fallacy, it can help make things easier, but it doesn’t make it better. Technology growth presents the idea that it makes inequalities in the United States much more visible, especially the economic inequality. I believe that while technology is completely valid, it should be regulated in where these machines are used for. Matthew J. Burrows, is quite credible because his ethos are that he is the leading author of multiple national intelligence council editions. Obtaining a bachelors from Wesleyan University and  PhD from the University of Cambridge, he has the background knowledge of being able to research/overlook technology and its effects locally and globally. A particular question I would ask the author is if the ability to regulate technology in the United States is possible, if the people who are in charge will regulate and overlook them properly. Additionally, the genre choice was really compatible to my liking because it implements the idea of how technology can be problematic at the core of the country, making economic measures even worse. I wish it would have talked about it more in terms of the United States and mentioned how it would lead to such disparities, but other than that, it was an informative article by showing comparison, charts, and relatedness to my content.