(Modern Technology)^(Language)

Just as with the Renaissance of ancient times, the world is now experiencing a different sort of language revolution, this time with the technological world, as the power to effectively convince and affect people through technology shifts from the few to the many. Now, as seen in recent elections, especially in the US, the masses are unlocking the power of language and combining it with technology to have their voices and opinions heard nation and world-wide. But what would happen if mastering of technology became the sole power in the world?

I recently read a series of books that focuses on a future engulfed in technology, however it is the final book that truly explores this idea of a level playing field enhanced only through technology. Extras by Scott Westerfield explores a world thrust unwillingly into this sort of renaissance. In this world each person, especially the rising generation, seeks to master the power of technology and the internet to climb, not only the social ladder, but to directly improve one's lot in life. In the end the ability of the ordinary to communicate with the world saves the day.
But as Kristi mentioned earlier there are downsides to automatically empowering the world. Entitlement and influences of ill informed sources upon less informed people to name a few. However, like the Humanist Pico della Mirandola, I believe that we need to believe that people will choose the better, more times than not. 

"Adam, we give you no fixed place to live, no form that is peculiar to you, nor any function that is yours alone. According to your desires and judgment, you will have and possess whatever place to live, whatever form, and whatever functions you yourself choose. All other things have a limited and fixed nature prescribed and bounded by our laws. You, with no limit or no bound, may choose for yourself the limits and bounds of your nature. We have placed you at the world's center so that you may survey everything else in the world. We have made you neither of heavenly nor of earthly stuff, neither mortal nor immortal, so that with free choice and dignity, you may fashion yourself into whatever form you choose. To you is granted the power of degrading yourself into the lower forms of life, the beasts, and to you is granted the power, contained in your intellect and judgment, to be reborn into the higher forms, the divine."

Modern technology can amplify our voices and help change the world into a better place, but only if we let it.