Problem techniki w społeczeństwie konsumentów

Technology has brought the humanity rapid development and manifold conveniences, therefore, it has been perceived mainly as a source of positive changes, even though, it has also brought many negative side effects. In this article, technology is presented as a field of moral reflection, especially, as a field for reflection on consumerism. The development of Western civilization brought about a disturbing phenomenon, i.e. consumerism. Homo consumens uses technology to consume more than he needs. He is driven by artificially fueled desires that can never be satisfied, thus he falls into a vicious circle of never-ending consumption. On the one hand, technology makes goods more available; on the other hand, it also generates new needs, called «meta-needs». As a result, consumer societies define the value of a person through the prism of his possessions, which are actually incessantly exchanged for new material goods. In this approach, instead of serving the society, technology strengthens consumerism which affects full personal development and is harmful to the environment.