In the digital era individuals are controlled by entities which are using modern devices to gather private information, sometimes without having the permission. In my opinion, the disadvantages of this development such as the absence of accountability and power asymmetries outweigh the disadvantages.
The primary advantage of the introduction of machines, capable of analyze, process information and act consequently, is the modernization of our cities. Therefore, citizens are now experiencing to live in a smart environment which is leading to reduced efforts, allowing people to be more relaxed. For example, modern traffic lights are fully automated and possess the ability to inflict fines. So, even if local police stations lacked agents, the order in the streets would be still partly maintained. Another important reason that monitoring is advantageous lies behind the concept of security. In fact, situations of danger can be avoided by new applications in the smartphones, such as “find me” for iPhone. Hence, the smartness and the connectiveness of information systems allow people to be more relaxed and secure.
There is, however, an obvious disadvantage in that few private companies which control these devices can harness the ignorance of individuals regarding this modern objects. In particular, firms can exploit information taken by these tools not just to anticipate behaviors as a marketing move, but also to shape populations behavior. Furthermore, this erode the bilaterality of the contracts, as in this instance organization are taking without giving nothing in compensation. A further major issue is that these devices can cause harms while monitoring. Nevertheless, no one knows who is actually responsible for these actions and this is due to a big policy vacuum in regards of these new discoveries. Accordingly, nowadays a call for awareness and the need of a new social contract is essential to avoid asymmetries and exploitations.
To sum up, while cybernetics introductions has benefited people well-being, it is still important to recognize that there are plenty of downsides which can lead to disasters and scandals. As a consequence, I think that, overall, advantages are overweighed by disadvantages.