A Speed Limit for Computers
This article explores the philosophical argument that excessive computing power and speed may lead to diminishing returns and social inequality. It draws parallels between energy consumption in transport and the modern trajectory of computing.
Why it matters
It challenges the assumption that more computing power is always beneficial, suggesting a need for 'convivial' technology that promotes equity.
The home and personal computing revolutions of the 70's, 80's, and 90's put the power of computing in the hands of the masses. For those of us that grew up with these machines, it can be hard to reconcile the computer culture of our youth with the industry we find ourselves in today. But at some point, a threshold was crossed and increasing computing power no longer translated to increased autonomy. Quite the opposite.
In 1973, before the first commercially successful home computer, and with the Western world in the beginnings of an energy crisis, Ivan Illich wrote an essay titled 'Energy and Equity'. In it, he argued that - above a certain threshold - energy had marginal disutility. And that applying more of it would yield negative returns.
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