All watched over by machines of loving grace

Have you been watching the BBC 2 series, 'All watched over by machines of loving grace'  (BBC 2, Mondays, 9pm)?  If not you can catch up by clicking on the following link and watching through iPlayer:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/search?q=all%20watched%20over%20by%20machines

It is a fascinating exploration of the rise of machines (computers in particular), how humans have come to create and use them, but also how we have been influenced in turn, by growing networks of advanced technology.  The first part explored the influence of technology on financial markets (and their role in the current economic crisis).  The second looked at how technology was supposed to help in creating more egalitarian societies.  Why write about this on a blog which is about leadership and human development?  Well, what the series makes clear is that introduction of new technologies were based on changing philosophies, new world views and radical thinking of various groups.  Each new technology was an attempt to 'realise' what had been created in thought. 

From a psychological viewpoint, the series contains numerous examples of how people can act together to complete a common goal, seemingly without direction or open communication between individuals.  What happens is something emerges which is bigger than the sum of the individuals involved.  But there do seem to be limitations. For example, while social networking was acknowledged as a key element in mobilising people in revolutions in the Ukraine (amongst other countries) it was also shown that it had not provided an effective alternative to the regime that had been toppled.

The second programme, in particular, showed the dangers of metaphor becoming 'truth'.  The idea of an eco-system that was self-regulating and balanced was 'de-bunked' and shown how it had led to ultimately unsuccessful attempts to create egalitarian communities.

The last part is next week (June 6th, 2011).  It's not just an insight into the influences of technology, it's a fascinating exploration of how we live and work together, the underlying assumptions that underpin our society, while also giving us a glimps of who really 'sets the rules'.

Miles