Tech Leaders Without Vision

The technology boom of the past several decades has changed the world by using social media to connect people around the globe. However, social media connections have also been used to promote political uprisings, topple governments and spread “fake news” around the world. But why would the brilliant creators of social media develop tools with destructive effects on individuals and society? “It never seems to have occurred to them that their engines could be used to deliver ideological and political messages” (The Guardian, November 19, 2017). John Naughton, Professor of Public Understanding of Technology at the Open University, and author of From Gutenberg to Zuckerberg, suggests that many tech creators are fantastic mathematicians and engineers, but lack an understanding of history and the humanities.

While researchers and developers relish the challenge of creating new and unique devices, they seldom ask the hard questions: “Should we do this?” and “What could happen if we do this?” For many, the pursuit of money and profits can overshadow morality. However, the Bible provides valuable insight into these critical moral and social issues—even those created by the latest technologies. The prophet Isaiah warned about conditions that would arise at the end of the age: “I will give children to be their princes, and babes shall rule over them” (Isaiah 3:4). Many of the tech elite are young men and women who lack the perspective that comes with age and experience. The prophet Hosea also foretold, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” (4:6)—referring to a lack of understanding and discernment that comes from a knowledge of the Scriptures. Solomon observed, “Where there is no vision, the people perish,” and the wise “foresee evil” and avoid it (Proverbs 29:18, KJV; 22:3; 27:12). What the world needs today are leaders with character who possess the qualities of godly wisdom, discernment, foresight and a strong sense of right and wrong.

Thankfully, the time is coming when Christ will return and set up a government with leaders who will help heal the world. You can begin preparing for this exciting future by reading “Does Character Really Matter?”