What is Accelerating Change?

John Spacey, June 28, 2016 updated on March 20, 2017

Accelerating change is the idea that technology driven social change is exponentially increasing. The idea stems from the observation that each decade appears to change at an increased rate. According to the theory, life changed more between 2000 and 2010 than between 1900 and 1910.

A prime example of accelerating change is the doubling of computing speed every 18 months that began in the 1960s explained by Moore's Law. This in turn sparked a broad range of technological change including the commercialization of the internet and leaps forward in research in areas such as biotechnology.

Exponential vs Hyperbolic

Most observers will agree that technology is advancing at at least an exponential rate. According to some theorists, it is increasing at a hyperbolic rate, meaning that it will suddenly jump to infinite advancement.

Problems

Technological change results in dramatically power shifts, rapidly evolving risks and increasing destructive powers such as weapons. It also leads to a great number of choices for how technology should be used to change society, culture and the planet. As such, technological change is a primary driver of human conflict.

Managing the risks of new technology and coming to agreement on how to use and govern new technological powers is a challenge for governments, institutions and communities. Typically, a new technology is first implemented by technologists without much consideration to its economic, social or cultural impact or risks. Eventually society reacts and tries to shape it to improve quality of life and manage risk.

Overview: Accelerating Change
Type	Technology Principle
Definition	The theory that technology changes at an exponential or hyperbolic rate.
Related Concepts	Exponential vs Hyperbolic Environmental Issues Technological Singularity Fermi Paradox Risk