Maintaining Humanity: A Critical Approach Towards Modern Technology (Merawat Kemanusiaan Pendekatan Kritis terhadap Teknologi Modern)

Abstract

Hoaxes and hate speeches, which often spread in cyberspace especially in social media, have become a phenomenon particularly during the period of political contestation in Indonesia. This phenomenon, however, has developed into something alarming. Evidence has shown that the polarization and the bitter conflicts that result from it in the society have eroded the sense of unity and brotherhood in our plural nation. Moreover, this phenomenon can develop into a humanity crisis in Indonesia - humans that are friendly, tolerant, open, just and civilized towards each other. The rapid development of modern information technology clearly plays a major role in engendering this problem. Hoaxes and hate speeches, for example, become easily and quickly widespread because they are made possible by social media and their algorithms. A few philosophical thoughts of technology show that modern technology is not a neutral tool as it shapes and changes people’s perspectives and ways of life in the world. In addition to the legal approach through the uncompromising application of the EIT (Electronic Information & Transaction) Laws, a critical approach to modern technology is needed to protect Indonesia’s unity and humanity from the negative side effects that accompany modern technology.