ABSTRACT
In this chapter, I first outline some of the major changes that are taking place in information technology and their potential social impact. These changes are classified according to whether they are essentially extrapolations of existing trends, imminent breakthroughs in new technologies, architectural changes, or meta-technological changes (i.e., changes in the way in which new technology is developed or deployed). Although any description of the future is speculative, these four cases are ordered according to increasing uncertainty. I then explore five types of reactions to the implications of new information technology. It is important to explore these reactions because the social impact of new technology is mediated by these various cognitive and emotional reactions. Briefly, the five reactions might be described as denial, anger, deal making, resignation, and transcendence and envisionment.
