The fear of change

The world changes, sometimes drastically. For many people, this can be scary, and justifiably so: not all change is for the better. Change also introduces the unknown, creates risks, and requires work to adapt to. However, change is also required for progress. You cannot make progress, fix problems, or innovate without embracing some form of change. Today, in the digital age, change often takes the form of new technology, and comes at an unprecedented pace. Consequently, we don't have to look very far to find alarmed voices worrying about what we are, or may be, losing amid all this change. Are their worries legitimate? I believe a good indicator is the specificity of their concerns. Vague, broad-reaching worries that, say, the internet is destroying our culture's social life are likely based more on fear of what we don't understand. Specific concerns such as online sexual predators, however, are much more likely to reflect a legitimate problem. In short, it is wise to keep our eyes open as the world changes. We need people who can raise a voice of warning if the world is heading for dangerous waters. However, let us be sure that we do not fear change simply because it is change.