InstaJobLoss

I already like the path that Jaron Lanier’s “Who Owns the Future?” is taking. In the introduction alone, Lanier brought up a great point about technology: how it plays a role in our economy. Something that people often overlook as they are getting excited about new technologies and innovation is their long-term affects. Lanier touches on an excellent point about Instagram and what impact its popularity might have had on companies such as Kodak. While it has become incredibly convenient and popular for people to utilize cameras on a cell phone as their primary photography device, how do the people who are now out of a job feel?

I am personally an avid fan of any and all technologies that make collaboration easier or make our lives easier. However, as a businessperson, I think that to some degree it is important to make sure that we are being fair to our employees when bringing new technology onboard. While being able to remove 100 jobs might save a corporation a significant amount of money in the immediate term, there is going to be much higher costs for the business. It will not reflect well in the eyes of current employees or the public, which could cause further damage. Ultimately, it is critical for top leaders to find a way to tow the line in balance when it comes to integrating technology into their businesses.