It is frequently assumed that the introduction and adoption of new technology improves productivity, and that if productivity improvements result from this new technology that the net social and economic impacts will be positive. However, there is considerable uncertainty associated with the rapid introduction of information technology. What if the rate of adoption exceeds society's or individuals' abilities to adapt? What if the introduction remains chaotic for an extended period of time? These uncertainties raise critical questions, which are difficult to answer at this time: what if the net impacts are not positive? What if economic benefits are distributed in ways that are socially destabilizing? What if income distribution is further skewed, with higher skilled personnel becoming better compensated, while many people are deskilled and effectively unemployable at jobs comparable to their current jobs and at salaries comparable to what they are earning today? The paper examines, but does not resolve, these questions.
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