Are Drones Doomed?

Salvatore Tetsuo Viviano

I recent years it seems as if drones, what used to be the stuff of science fiction novels, have become ubiquitous. This is definitely a sign of the times. Yeah! Our society is is so technologically advanced. However it may suprise some, that people find these facts disconcerting. Why? Because there are quite a few cons to the use of drones for all purposes. In fact I have just finished an article called, "Invasion of The Drones" by Patricia Smith, that outlines many of these problems. Drone usage stimulates arguments based on ethics and safety. 

While toplessly sunbathing, Mandy Lignard had a picture of her taken by a drone. Later the pictures were blown up and put on a local real estate board. Imagine Lignard's embarassment as her sub-nude body was displayed to all who happened to pass by this billboard. Suprisingly, this is an innocent mishap, in comparison to some people's speculations of how intrusive drones have potential to be. Jay Stanley of the American Civil Liberties Union states that, "Our biggest concern is that they not be used for mass surveillance." This would be a violation of our constitutional right to protection from, "Unreasonable searches and seizures." This issue is so prevalent and controversial that 20 states have passed laws against it. This issue still pales in comparison to the issue of drones causing safety problems. People's concern regarding this matter isn't unmerited. Recently, a 375-pound drone crashed into an elementary school in Harrisburg Pennsylvania. Fortunately, school was not in session at the time. The most alarming thing was that this isn't anomaly. Recently there have been "dozens" of near misses due to technical or weather problems while operating drones. One last concern the article brings to our attention is the problem of drones being used in warfare in place of humans. This raises the issue of whether it's ethical to send humans into warfare. The main concern here is whether drone cheapen human life. By making warfare seem like, "A video game rather than a life or death conflict." 

This article brings in to focus a lot of controversial issues that are brought up by the introduction of drones in to warfare and daily life. Is it really good to have pre-programmed technology play such and important role in society? Technology that is prone to mishaps. That is lacking human stamina, brain and judgement. Will the use of technology make us more feeble-minded? These are all legitimate concerns concerning the use of drones.