What is linear growth vs exponential growth?
Can you give real-world sociological or
technological examples of each?
Tyson suggests that many people think in linear
terms, even when change is exponential.
Why do you think that is?
What social or policy risks stem from underestimating
exponential change (e.g., in technology,
population, climate)?
Tyson walks us through innovation from the 19th
to the 21st century. According to him, how has the
pace of innovation changed? (Refer to the video’s
timeline.)
Are our social institutions (education, government,
business) structurally capable of responding to
exponential change? Why or why not?
What reforms or new institutions might be
necessary to deal with accelerating change?
Which social groups are most likely to benefit
from exponential technological growth? Which
might be disadvantaged?
Do you feel empowered or anxious about living
in a time of such rapid change? Why?
What ethical dilemmas arise from rapid
technological innovation (e.g., privacy, surveillance,
job displacement)?
