By Harry
4 October 2025
Frankly, there have been thousands of posts on AI; some are doom-mongering, some are gaslighting a future which quite obviously does not exist. However, as we stand in the midst of the AI era, the echoes of past historical technological revolutions offer a valuable compass for charting the unknown territories ahead. Much like the industrial revolution transformed labour and the internet reshaped communication, artificial intelligence (AI) carries the promise of significant change. To comprehend the potential impact and effectively address the challenges of AI, we turn to the lessons of the past. By drawing parallels with historical events and examining real-world examples, we can glean insights into what may lie ahead.
Throughout history, transformative technologies have reshaped the fabric of societies, leaving an indelible mark on the way we live, work, and interact. The invention of the wheel, a seemingly simple invention, revolutionised transportation and trade, connecting distant communities and laying the foundation for economic systems. The printing press democratised knowledge dissemination, ushering in an era of increased literacy and fostering the exchange of ideas. The industrial revolution mechanised production, fundamentally altering the nature of work and prompting mass urbanisation. The internet has transformed the way we access information, communicate, and conduct business, shrinking the world into a global village. Each of these technological epochs not only brought unprecedented conveniences but also posed societal challenges, requiring adaptation and innovation to navigate the evolving landscape.
The steam engine, pioneered by James Watt in the 18th century, faced resistance from traditional industries. The steam engine powered machinery, locomotives, and ships; however, its adoption led to the decline of manual trades like blacksmiths and grain mills, dismantling thousands of generational businesses.
In the 19th century, the telegraph revolutionised long-distance communication by enabling near-instantaneous transmission of information. The telegraph led to the centralisation of communication networks, where telegraph companies held monopolies, exercised gatekeeping power over information flow, and influenced news dissemination, raising concerns about press freedom and the potential manipulation of information.
In the mid-20th century, Nuclear power promised to bring clean energy to the world; however, it was tainted by the disastrous effects of Nuclear weapons and public fears of radiation. In 1986, the Chernobyl disaster happened, exemplifying public fears around the use of Nuclear power. As a result, Nuclear power is yet to bring about the change the world needs.
These advancements have brought unprecedented benefits, fostering economic growth, global connectivity, and energy innovation. However, the introduction of each of these technologies has been met with societal opposition due to unknown or unforeseen effects, ranging from environmental concerns to ethical considerations.
As we stand on the brink of the artificial intelligence (AI) era, the pattern repeats. The public, with understandable apprehension, expresses fears about the unknown impacts of AI on jobs similar to those that the steam engine caused. There are considerable challenges regarding monopolies, regulation, policy, privacy and ethics in AI, much like the telegraph faced. We have faced these challenges before, and we will continue to face them in the future.