Can we make a pause while racing toward the unknown future?

In the face of rapid technological development, this text asks whether we can take a moment to pause and reflect on where we are heading. Inspired by Minna Ruckenstein's original article, two initiatives are explored: a global petition to stop the development of advanced AI and a national campaign to restrict smartphone use in schools. While the first had little impact, the second gained a lot of public attention as it brought together scientists, experts, educators, families, schools, etc. The article argues that social scientists should go beyond criticism and help find better solutions by bringing together different initiatives. It calls for a more thoughtful use of technology, where people are not just users, but active participants in shaping a more balanced and people-centered future.

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Publication Details

Journal
Dialogues on Digital Society
Published
2025-05-30
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/29768640251338969
Citations
1
Primary Topic
Space Science and Extraterrestrial Life
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
1.15
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article

Can we make a pause while racing toward the unknown future?

Dan Podjed
1 citations
Dialogues on Digital Society
Space Science and Extraterrestrial Life
1.15
article

Can we make a pause while racing toward the unknown future?

Dan Podjed
article en
1 citations

Abstract

In the face of rapid technological development, this text asks whether we can take a moment to pause and reflect on where we are heading. Inspired by Minna Ruckenstein's original article, two initiatives are explored: a global petition to stop the development of advanced AI and a national campaign to restrict smartphone use in schools. While the first had little impact, the second gained a lot of public attention as it brought together scientists, experts, educators, families, schools, etc. The article argues that social scientists should go beyond criticism and help find better solutions by bringing together different initiatives. It calls for a more thoughtful use of technology, where people are not just users, but active participants in shaping a more balanced and people-centered future.

Dialogues on Digital SocietyVol. 1(2)
Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts (SI), Institute of Slovenian Ethnology
Openalex Percentile: Top 19%
Space Science and Extraterrestrial Life
1.15
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