by Kim Kelley, for Mark Stross
In a world where digital devices and platforms dominate every aspect of life, technology has brought convenience, innovation, and opportunities like never before. However, as the digital age advances, so do its dangers. Mark Stross, America’s Technologist and a leader in the tech industry, is raising awareness about these risks. His mission? To ensure technology serves humanity, not the other way around.
As the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of ANC for over 20 years, Stross has been at the forefront of digital innovation, developing transformative technologies for some of the world’s most prominent venues, including sports stadiums, train stations, and the World Trade Center. His book Killer Tech & The Drive to Save Humanity is a wake-up call, urging readers to understand the hidden costs of the digital age and offering solutions to help reclaim control of their digital lives.
The Hidden Costs of Digital Addiction
Today, people are spending more time online than ever before. From social media to streaming services, smartphones have become central to our daily routines. However, Stross emphasizes that this convenience comes with a steep price. “We’re witnessing an epidemic of digital addiction,” he says. “People are glued to their screens, not realizing how tech companies use sophisticated methods to keep them hooked.”
This addiction doesn’t just affect adults—children are also increasingly vulnerable. “Our kids are growing up in a world where their self-worth is measured in likes and follows,” Stross explains. “They’re constantly comparing themselves to others, which is severely impacting their mental health.” Stross stresses that safeguarding children’s innocence in the digital space is crucial and that stronger measures need to be implemented to ensure their protection.
Calling for a Digital Bill of Rights
One of Stross’ most urgent proposals is the creation of a Digital Bill of Rights. Stross envisions it, as a way for individuals to control their data. It would enforce clear guidelines for ownership, transparency, and consent—holding tech companies accountable for how they use personal information. “We have a right to know what’s happening with our data, and we should have the ability to delete it whenever we want,” Stross asserts. “If we can create transparent ledgers for cryptocurrency, why can’t we do the same for our personal data?”
This vision isn’t just about protecting privacy—it’s about preserving human dignity in the digital era. “We need to move from user agreements to human agreements,” he states. “Platforms must start respecting us as people, not products.”
The Future of AI and Automation
While Killer Tech focuses on current challenges, Stross also looks to the future, particularly how artificial intelligence (AI) will reshape industries and our lives. While AI has the potential to revolutionize various fields, Stross cautions that it must be handled responsibly.
“AI will replace jobs. That’s inevitable,” Stross says. “But the question is: are we ready for that shift?” In his book, Stross outlines the steps individuals and businesses must take to prepare for automation. He highlights the need to retool and acquire new skills to stay relevant in an AI-dominated world. But more than that, Stross calls for ethical AI development. “AI should enhance humanity, not harm it. That means building in safeguards and accountability right from the start.”
A Call to Action
At its core, Killer Tech & The Drive to Save Humanity is a call to action. The book challenges readers to rethink their relationship with technology and take control of their digital futures. “We can no longer afford to be passive consumers of technology,” Stross says. “We must demand better—better privacy protections, ethical standards, and accountability from the companies shaping our digital world.”
Stross’ message is clear: While technology is here to stay, it’s up to us to ensure that it serves humanity, rather than controlling us. By raising awareness, having meaningful conversations, and advocating for change, we can create a safer, more ethical digital world for ourselves and future generations.
Killer Tech & The Drive to Save Humanity is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and as an audiobook. For more insights, visit MarkStross.com.
This story originally appeared in the Q4 2024 issue of Exhibit City News, p. 68. For original layout, visit https://issuu.com/exhibitcitynews/docs/ecn_q4_2024/68.
