Sociotechnology: Science, technology, and the human condition: The impact of science and engineering on citizens is great, despite their questionable impact on social institutions

While technology has been clearly beneficial to many people, it has been of dubious value in improving man's social condition. Government, personal, and family relations are not better — and may even have deteriorated — since the advent of sophisticated technologies. What follows is a broad overview of science and technology-directed change in the human condition in the United States. The intent is not to be exhaustive but rather to stimulate thought and debate.