From experiments to everyday companions: The four Philosophies of Tech

Based on how you look at it, humanity’s affair with machines is a fairly recent chapter of our collective history, or it's as old as humanity itself. Regardless, one thing led to another, and now here we are, asking ChatGPT to explain our complicated relationship with technology and our personal lives. But before we label ourselves "tech lovers" or "tech haters," one must explore the four philosophies of technology that define how we interact with our metal companions. 

These philosophies emerged with the rise of modern technology. A philosophy professor named Alan Dregnson coined the terms. In the days of steam engines, electricity, and the early days of the internet, thinkers started asking not just what we build, but why we build it. They range from youthful excitement to mature wisdom, and each tells a story about how humans think, feel, and make choices about tech.

Technological Anarchy: "If it works, Why not?"

In the 19th-century industrial revolution, in the Wild West with steam engines, the motto was: “Build it, sell it, and let the market decide.” Simple rules, zero guilt. This was when technology was a thrill, a tool to dominate nature, gain power, and make life and profit faster.

Technophilia: "In tech we trust"

The teenage crush phase. Everything tech is glorious. Smart cities, smart phones, smart...fridges? We love tech not just as tools, but as lifestyles. This is where we stop asking “Do we need this?” and start saying “OMG, it’s the new iPhone!”

Technophobia: "Unplug it before it kills us"

This is the emotional crash. When people hear tech, what they picture is “Terminator”. The downfall of humankind. After tech promises to fix everything and doesn’t, fear creeps in. Machines take jobs, social media fuels anxiety, and the environment suffers. The reaction, naturally, is simpler, slower, and smaller. Back to the ages of doing things with your bare hands, community, and conscious consumption.

Technological Appropriateness: "Let's talk about values"

The grown-up phase. Instead of letting tech rule our lives or throwing it out we ask, What’s truly useful, human, and sustainable? Appropriate technology respects the environment, fits the local context, and enhances life without overwhelming it.

This is the philosophy that says, Don’t just make it work, make it worth it.

Why This Matters Now(and Here)

Around the globe, the idea of "appropriate technology" is picking up speed, especially in countries facing the double challenge of development and sustainability. In Ethiopia, where infrastructure struggles and innovation are growing side by side, it's crucial to ask, What tech do we actually need? 

In Ethiopia, we’re warming up to this idea. Solar-powered lights in rural areas. Digital ID systems that are designed with local accessibility in mind. Tech training for youth, not just in coding but in problem-solving. Still baby steps, but in the right direction.

If we continue racing from anarchy to technophilia without reflection, we risk burnout economically, environmentally, and culturally. But with the mature lens of appropriate tech, we can steer the digital revolution toward something more grounded, more equitable, and yes, more Ethiopian.

The future isn’t just about faster processors and smarter devices. It’s about why we build, who we build for, and how it transforms our lives. Ethiopia stands at a philosophical crossroads not just of tech adoption, but of tech intention, and it’s time we matured from experimenting to a long-term, meaningful companionship with technology.

Because in the end, good tech, like a good relationship, should help us grow.