On Wednesday, over twenty prominent conservative leaders issued a statement titled “The Future for the Family: A New Technology Agenda for the Right.” This statement marks a shift in how conservatives view technology and its impact on our lives. Historically, conservatism has had mixed feelings about technology.
Many conservative efforts have focused on protecting “family values” by opposing various technologies—like questionable TV shows in the 1980s, gambling in the 1990s, and online pornography since the 2000s. Rather than thinking about the tools themselves, conservatives have often targeted the content we consume. This overlooks Marshall McLuhan’s insight that “the medium is the message.”
Today, it’s clear that the type of technology we use affects us just as much as its content. Digital media can create feelings of disconnection from our bodies and communities, challenging traditional family structures. For years, advances in technology have disrupted communities and gender roles and affected family planning. As automation and AI progress, many jobs could disappear, making it harder for individuals to support families.
Yet, since at least World War II, conservatives have often embraced technological progress, viewing America’s inventors as symbols of freedom compared to the constraints of communism. While technology can go awry, the common belief is to let the market fix itself rather than impose restrictions. After all, who wants to resist progress?
This conflicting stance has led to an inconsistent approach to issues like feminism, abortion, and digital privacy. We tend to celebrate technology but also lament the negative ways people misuse it. It’s time for a more comprehensive view that acknowledges the importance of family in shaping our future.
Many modern technologies share a troubling pattern: they view human nature as something to be manipulated, rather than something to nurture. Rather than focusing on what humans need, these technologies can inadvertently work against the family unit. For example, advanced reproductive technologies can replace traditional family structures, and digital platforms often become substitutes for real family interaction. Additionally, gig economies can undermine stable jobs that support families, leading to delayed family life.
We’re at a crucial moment. Our advancements in biotechnology pose new ethical dilemmas, such as genetic enhancement and merging humans with machines. Meanwhile, our digital tools often create distractions and addictions. AI threatens to replace our roles in the workplace, potentially leaving many without job prospects.
However, it would be a mistake to view technology as an unavoidable threat. We have the power to choose which technologies to develop and how to use them. Many technological advancements can actually support families, enabling them to thrive once again. These choices may not always feel individual; indeed, many people feel powerless in the face of rapid technological change. But, collectively, communities and nations can still assert influence over these developments.
This is not a call to reject progress. Throughout history, we’ve made conscious choices regarding technologies—regulating nuclear weapons, replacing harmful pesticides, and refusing to exploit sensitive medical advancements. We must govern our technological landscape with the goal of protecting human nature and the family that supports it.
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