Technologies can, presently most certainly are, and thus probably will be, used to decrease democracy, sometimes perhaps while actually increasing “participation.” While I have no doubt that these technologies will increase participation, without our active imagination, design, and effort, I am certain that they will not be used to make democracy possible but rather merely to concentate even more the power of the very few who control the present. Indeed, even with our active imagination, design, and effort, these communication technologies might be used to enhance the power of the already powerful … Should this be called “quantum fascism?”
Predictor: Dator, Jim
Prediction, in context:In a 1991 research presentation he made to the Communications Working Group at the 12th world conference of the World Futures Studies Federation, futurist Jim Dator makes the following statement: ”I understand ‘democracy’ to mean ‘rule by the people.’ By this definition, there are no democratic governments anywhere in the world presently, and very few, if any, democratic organizations of any kind. ‘Democracy’ remains an ideal, or a futuristic, form of governance. However, I believe true democracy – direct, citizen-controlled governance – can be achieved through the use of electronic technologies. But I also acknowledge that those technologies can, presently most certainly are, and thus probably will be, used to decrease democracy, sometimes perhaps while actually increasing ‘participation.’ While I have no doubt that these technologies will increase participation, without our active imagination, design, and effort, I am certain that they will not be used to make democracy possible but rather merely to concentate even more the power of the very few who control the present. Indeed, even with our active imagination, design, and effort, these communication technologies might be used to enhance the power of the already powerful … Should this be called ‘quantum fascism?’ “
Biography:Jim Dator was a futurist who is credited with founding the first Future Studies program in 1971. He has been director of the Hawaii Research Center for Futures Studies at the University of Hawaii. (Futurist/Consultant.)
Date of prediction: September 1, 1991
Topic of prediction: Global Relationships/Politics
Subtopic: Democracy
Title, headline, chapter name: I Want My ITV
Quote Type: Direct quote
Page number or URL of document at time of study:
http://www.futures.hawaii.edu/dator/artificiality/itv.pdf
This data was logged into the Elon/Pew Predictions Database by: Chick, Jason