"I think it's brought the world a lot closer together, and will continue to do that. There are downsides to everything; there are unintended consequences to everything. The most corrosive piece of technology that I've ever seen is called television - but then, again, television, at its best, is magnificent"

Steve Jobs shares a nuanced perspective on technology, recognizing its dual nature in shaping modern society. He acknowledges that advances such as television have served to bring people across the world closer together, providing a shared platform for experiences, ideas, and knowledge unlike anything before it. Through broadcasting, individuals have gained exposure to cultures, events, and perspectives far removed from their own immediate surroundings, cultivating a sense of global interconnectedness.

However, Jobs does not ignore the inevitable drawbacks that accompany any technological breakthrough. Every new invention, while promising connection and progress, carries consequences that are not always foreseeable. This subtle warning speaks to the complexity of innovation, while it fosters unity and engagement, it can also yield negative effects that permeate society. Jobs selects television as a particularly “corrosive” technology, suggesting its impact has, at times, been detrimental, perhaps eroding elements of authentic human interaction, promoting passive consumption of information, or introducing content that diminishes critical thinking and genuine communication.

Still, true to his forward-looking vision, Jobs balances his criticism by emphasizing television’s transformative potential. At its peak, television serves as a powerful tool for storytelling, education, and inspiration. It can broadcast artistic masterpieces, foster social awareness, and mobilize collective action under a common cause. Jobs’ ambivalence reflects the inherent tension in technological progress: the very tool capable of damaging effects is also poised to achieve the sublime when guided by creativity and conscientious intent.

The quote ultimately encourages mindful engagement with technology. Awareness of both the “downsides” and “unintended consequences” compels society to strive for balance, leveraging the best aspects of innovation without becoming blind to its faults. In celebrating television’s power for good, while recognizing its corrosive tendencies, Jobs advocates for thoughtful stewardship of technology, where responsibility, discernment, and aspiration go hand in hand with progress.