Problem techniki w społeczeństwie konsumentów

Abstract

Technology has brought the humanity rapid development and manifold conveniences, there­fore, it has been perceived mainly as a source of positive changes, even though, it has also brought many negative side effects. In this article, technology is presented as a field of moral reflection, espe­cially, as a field for reflection on consumerism. The development of Western civilization brought about a disturbing phenomenon, i.e. consumerism. Homo consumens uses technology to consume more than he needs. He is driven by artificially fueled desires that can never be satisfied, thus he falls into a vicious circle of never-ending consumption. On the one hand, technology makes goods more available; on the other hand, it also generates new needs, called «meta-needs». As a result, consumer societies define the value of a person through the prism of his possessions, which are ac­tually incessantly exchanged for new material goods. In this approach, instead of serving the society, technology strengthens consumerism which affects full personal development and is harmful to the environment.