One Sentence Summary
In Why Things Bite Back: Technology and the Revenge of Unintended Consequences, Edward Tenner explores the unforeseen consequences of technology and how they can come back to haunt us.
Book Genre
Non-fiction, popular science, social commentary.
Main Topic of the Book
The book delves into the concept of “revenge effects,” which occur when technological advances have unintended consequences that ultimately harm society and the environment.
Key Ideas
- Technology has both positive and negative impacts, and the negative consequences are often overlooked until it’s too late.
- Revenge effects can manifest in many ways, including in the form of health issues, environmental damage, and societal disruptions.
- Understanding and anticipating these unintended consequences can help us mitigate their effects and avoid them in the future.
Main Parts of the Book and a Short Summary
- Introduction
- Tenner sets the stage by introducing the concept of revenge effects and providing examples of how technology has caused unintended consequences throughout history.
- Part I: Technologies Old and New
- In this section, Tenner examines examples of revenge effects from past technologies such as industrialization, refrigeration, and antibiotics.
- Part II: Technological Algorithms and Emergence
- Tenner looks at how computer algorithms and artificial intelligence can have unintended and unpredictable consequences.
- Part III: Technological Resilience
- This section explores how certain technologies, such as bicycles and traditional agriculture methods, are more resilient and less prone to revenge effects.
- Part IV: Technological Consequences at the Subliminal Level
- Tenner delves into the psychological and societal effects of technology, including how it can alter our behavior and perceptions.
- Part V: The Triumph of the Revenge Effect
- Here, Tenner argues that the increasing complexity and interconnectedness of technology make it more susceptible to revenge effects.
- Part VI: The Vicissitudes of Technological Change
- Tenner discusses the role of risk assessment and regulation in mitigating revenge effects and preventing them from happening in the first place.
- Conclusion
- The book concludes with a call to action for individuals, businesses, and policy makers to be aware of and actively work to prevent revenge effects.
Key Takeaways
- Technology is a double-edged sword, and we must be aware of both its benefits and unintended consequences.
- Revenge effects can arise from even the most well-intentioned technological innovations.
- We need to be more proactive in anticipating and preventing revenge effects, rather than simply reacting after the damage has been done.
- Individual responsibility, government regulation, and sustainable design can all play a role in reducing the impact of revenge effects.
Author’s Background and Qualifications
Edward Tenner is a historian of technology and culture and a former executive editor of Technology Review magazine. He has also served as a visiting lecturer at Princeton University and is a Senior Research Associate at the Lemelson Center for Invention and Innovation at the Smithsonian Institution. Tenner has written extensively on the unintended consequences of technology and has been a featured speaker at TED and other international conferences.
Target Audience
The book is intended for a general audience, particularly those interested in technology, society, and the environment. It may also appeal to policymakers, academics, and individuals interested in the history and impact of technology.
Publisher and First Publication Date
The book was published by Alfred A. Knopf in September 1996.