lagism

Lagism refers to a philosophical concept that critiques the perceived tendency for progress, particularly technological advancement, to outpace human adaptation and ethical consideration. It suggests that society's ability to effectively manage or integrate new developments is constantly falling behind, creating a state of perpetual disequilibrium. This lag can manifest in various ways, from the slow pace of regulation to the ethical dilemmas that arise from technologies that society is not yet prepared to address.

The term is not a widely established philosophical school but rather a descriptive label for a recurring observation about societal change. Proponents of this concept might point to examples such as the internet's rapid proliferation and the subsequent challenges in addressing issues like misinformation, privacy violations, and cybersecurity, or the development of artificial intelligence and the ongoing debates about its societal impact and control.

Lagism highlights the potential for rapid innovation to create unintended consequences and societal disruption. It implies that there is a fundamental tension between the accelerating nature of invention and the more gradual processes of social, political, and ethical evolution. Understanding this lag is seen by some as crucial for navigating the complexities of the modern world and for developing more proactive and thoughtful approaches to technological and societal change.