The danger of no technology

As the kneejerk reactions to the riots begin, let's not get carried away here

OK.

So maybe I should have thought through my blog earlier this week on the danger of technology as the role social media helped play in coordinating the UK riots commanded some air time.

Now David Cameron has said today that the government is exploring whether to turn off social networks or stop people texting during times of social unrest.

Come on. Really?

I said that the technology companies involved should ensure that all the troublemaker's details are made fully available to the forces involved and I stand by that.

But to deprive everyone else of social networks and texting facilities because of a few mindless morons is sheer madness.

There is no question that social media helped these lawbreakers organise their riots and looting sprees, but on a more positive note it also made a huge contribution to getting people involved in the clear up operation.

That is the nature of social media. Some idiots use it and the decent majority also use it. One cannot suffer because of the other.

I am trying very hard not to get political in my views here as I may say things I regret, but the main things lacking throughout all of this trouble is discipline and respect - both respect for self and for other people/property.

Restore that and the problem is closer to being solved.

As I constantly hear in press releases - "Technology is an enabler, not a disabler'.