Have we become over-reliant on technology for intelligence collection and intelligence analysis?

Have we become over-reliant on Technology for Intelligence Collection and Intelligence Analysis?
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Have we become over-reliant on Technology for Intelligence Collection and Intelligence Analysis?
The existence of complexities in the world has led to numerous threats and hazards within different environments. Peace and stability are often threatened in areas without proper intelligence and security measures. In curbing terrorist acts, different countries used human intelligence to collect and analyze relevant information (Warner, 2014). The U.S. military, for instance, may acquire data through conversation, observation, recording and inquiries, among others. However, numerous countries have recently adopted technological methods, reducing their reliance on human intelligence during the collection and analysis of information.
Since governments are integrated technological advancements in their pursuit of intelligence, there is a prevalence of many changes. In addition to aircrafts, they utilize devices such as satellites, drones and other machines to achieve desired results. The Global Hawk, an unmanned aircraft, developed by Northrop Grumman is the most utilized technology during intelligence collection. It is often used by the U.S. Air Force as a form of surveillance while collecting and analyzing intelligence data (Quiggin, 2007). As observed, the United States of America is one of the countries invested highly in integrating technology in acquiring intelligence and security.

The nation’s department of defense advocated for the purchase of more drones for collecting intelligence information. To be precise, they required both Gray Eagle drones and Reaper drones for performing different actions. It is important to observe the roles of Syria, Yemen and Iraq in fastening the acquisition of technological advancements in the U.S. military and armies. The unrest in South Asian countries such as Afghanistan also drove the U.S. defense department to acquire these technologies for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR). The Predator and Global Hawk are important machines apropos of acquisition of ISR in the United States of America Air Force (Quiggin, 2007). Apart from these unmanned aircrafts, utilization of satellites is also essential in achieving intelligence in different environments.
In America, for instance, the results of 9/11 attacks were acquired through the internet. Most of its details were posted on a website before undergoing surveillance by human intelligence. A great number of individuals undertook their research about this 11th September 2001 unrest in the United States. Sugumaran (2009) understands that through this instance, people understand the role of electronic data in intelligence collection and analysis. The salient use of internet sources also offers enlightenment about other technological advancements such as cell phones and GPS to collect intelligence. Pictures are also useful in the acquisition of intelligence due to the existence of image intelligence; a concept that involves the collection of information through photography (Sugumaran, 2009).
In the wake of modernity, individuals witness the progressive nature of these technologies and their role in intelligence. While GPS is useful in location services, electronic car security, credit cards and internet portals are also essential in the same. Through these technologies, also, an individual’s behavior may be monitored and tracked down. Credit cards would assist one in observing the history of withdrawals of deposits and car security may track down locations of a given automobile. Internet portals, as intelligence collection methods, often give away one’s information and data as displayed on various web pages and sites. As a matter of fact, these portals are efficient in intelligence collection due to their ability to combine data from different internet sources. Despite the realization of over-reliance of technology in collecting intelligence in the U.S., the nation reiterates its importance and value in acquiring relevant information.
The diverse nature of criminal activities advocates for better and developed intelligence services. In addition to internet hackers, there are individuals that steal people’s identity. Various technological advancements such as tracking and biometrics have been introduced to curb these challenges. Due to the inability of human intelligence to solve some of these issues, it is unfortunate that most of these individuals lose their jobs. These Americans, despite over-relying on technology, experience positive change due to workable channels of acquiring intelligence. As observed, technology not only assists in collection of date but, also its analysis. After acquisition of the information, analysts require certain technologies so as to manage and sort out the collected data. The most used machines are computers due to their usefulness in communication and calculation. Moreover, they are also useful in connecting these analysts to various social networks and channels. These platforms clearly assist researchers in communicating with one another and developing better technology for intelligence.
Regardless of the salient benefits of technology in collecting intelligence, there are numerous challenges observed. Human beings have become over-reliant on technology to the extent of losing human intelligence and their roles in acquiring information. Instead of utilizing technology wisely, most individuals misuse these tools, machines and devices. Over-relying on these tools, therefore, leads to deterioration rather than progress in acquiring information and data. It is important to observe the differences between machines and human beings in inferring valid results (Obrst, Janssen & Ceusters, 2010). For instance; while a computer assists individuals in typing documents, there is need for a human being to proofread the finished product. Even if there are applications and software for correcting similar documents, a human being editor is preferred. Despite its efficient nature, technology also exhibits imperfect results and inferences. Over-reliance, therefore, leads to obsoleteness of these technological devices and machines.
Additionally, over-relying on technology in collecting intelligence leads to insufficiency. Unlike human intelligence, technology only focuses on acquiring information and data. They are weak and unreliable during analysis of the gathered details. Human beings are, therefore, required to demarcate this collected information so as to decipher its sensibility and logic. Using education and experiences, human intelligence ensures an in-depth and efficient analysis of the data. Technical skills are also useful in ensuring that analysts create meaning apropos of the collected data. These tools cannot process, evaluate and offer an understanding of the given information. Without undergoing these steps, raw data and information is rendered useless and obsolete. Over-reliance on technological advancements in intelligence leads to null results hence individuals understand the roles and necessity of human intelligence. As a matter of fact, it is due to overreliance that Americans have realized different types of technology. For instance, collecting intelligence in space has shifted from mere photography to utilization of sensor and other developed technologies (Obrst et al., 2010). It is important to also understand that complex intelligence requires advanced technology. In fact, there are tools capable of multitasking in an attempt to capture requisite information. As they monitor terrorists, the technologies also examine dangerous tools and equipment carried by these individuals.
By over-relying on technological advancements, there is an existence of stiff competition among different nations. When other nations observe the progressive nature of America’s intelligence collection, they are challenged and forced to follow suit. It is quite evident that the U.S. is more stable economically; in comparison to other countries. Such drawbacks continue to give America at an upper hand apropos of the relationship between intelligence and technology. Even if other countries are unable to develop advanced devices, they are required to acquaint themselves with technologies to counter the existing ones. Over-reliance on technology, therefore, ensures that distinct nations embrace positive change and alteration apropos of intelligence collection.
America, more than any other nation, relies heavily on the existence of technology. Its numerous advantages surpass the prevalence of risks in employing technological elements in acquisition of intelligence data. Despite the hype and regard of these advancements, it is important to understand the difference between obsolete and useful technology. Without disseminating relevant data to human beings, these tools may be considered redundant and inessential. Requisite devices often deliver the necessary messages, details and information to human beings and analysts. In utilizing technological intelligence techniques, nations should be prepared for additional challenges. Advanced and effect devices, for instance, are quite costly and expensive. There are finances imposed on purchase, development and operating the machines, among other processes.
Due to the redundancy noted in various technologies, it is forlorn that countries such as the U.S., often suffer economically (Chen, 2006). Instead of these devices minting money, they prove useless hence interfering with a nation’s financial progress and growth. In point of fact, these countries’ rivals often surpass them due to purchase of workable technologies or utilization of human intelligence. When countries such as the U.S. depend too much on technology, their human intelligence team becomes dormant and obsolete. As prior mentioned, it is impossible to operate technology without the assistance of human beings. These machines, despite delineating utter efficiency, still require analysts to drive them. Without the assistance of human beings, science and technological advancements may be rendered null and void.
As mentioned, over-reliance on technology interferes with the economic status of a given nation. Countries such as the U.S., therefore, experience challenges with investment and saving. Even with their formidable economy, America suffers due to extreme expenses and costs of intelligence technology. These drawbacks interfere with the popularity of utilizing devices and machines in acquiring intelligence information and data. America is fortunate due to the nation’s workable and well-arranged ways of planning and budgeting for survival. Unfortunately, the salient reduction of labor in human intelligence delineates individuals’ over-reliance in technology (Chau, 2014). Even those professional and highly skilled workers lost their jobs due to existence of machines and devices to achieve intelligence. While some secured employment opportunities in different fields, most of these professionals became jobless. Development of technology, despite improving intelligence services, also replaces human labor in various capacities. A small percentage of individuals retained their jobs due to the necessity of human beings in analyzing intelligence. Evidently, these professional folk play a significant role in improving intelligence despite over-relying on technology. As discussed, insofar as analysts are required in demarcating intelligence information, there are technologies capable of handling the same.
The prevalence of surplus intelligence data and information delineates an over-reliance on technology. When analysts come across a lot of material, they become overwhelmed due to their inability to capture and siphon the most important details. The consequences, therefore, are inaccurate inferences and judgments. These technologies are incapable of capturing the specific information required by analysts. The latter, as a result, possess excess data which leads to failure as the end result. There is a portrayal of psychological ideologies due to the inability of an individual’s mind to focus effectively on large quantities of information. Using technologies, there is deterioration in collection of intelligence data hence compromising the security of a given nation (Chen, 2006). For this reason, human intelligence should prevail in these institutions due to their knowledge of requisite and unnecessary information.
It is also important to balance these analysts to avoid over-collection of intelligence data. Employing numerous analysts, also, creates the risk of acquiring either duplicated or indistinguishable information. While these details may be efficient, they should be avoided because analysts will spend too much time on them. As a result, these individuals may be oblivious apropos of other gathered intelligence hence prevalence of incompetence and inefficiency (Chau, 2014). The assumption about quantity over quality should be lifted due to its interference with final results. These inaccuracies posed by over-reliance on technological advancements often leads to heightened cases of unrest and instability in different states. In point of fact, incompetency also increases wars among various states.
As militaries have been urged against the utilization of drones, there is clear evidence that human beings over-rely on technology. Research has delineated the incompetence noted in Afghanistan armies due to their intense use of machines such as unmanned drones. In the wake of these technologies, militaries fail to focus on hiring expertise and skilled individuals into their field. It is unfortunate to observe that they rely solely on intelligence acquired from technological equipment. As prior discussed, bulky details interferes with the clarity and effectiveness of end results. Some of these high-end machines are manufactured to capture a great amount of details and information at once. For instance; the existence of high quality cameras ensures that analysts acquire extra details in pictorial form. As a matter of fact, the technology of sensors gives rise to excess intelligence data because of their portable nature. Most military aircrafts possess these sensors useful in gathering intelligence data and information.
These challenges observed due to over-relying on technology may be curbed by analysts. Without expelling these technological devices, these experts incorporate them into their skills in an attempt to create sensibility out of collected information. Additionally, their collaboration with individuals well-versed in technology, will improve their perception of these devices. Such positive developments and views are responsible for causing individuals to depend on technology. Both collectors and analysts require these technicians so as to acquire workable results. In collaborating with one another, they share ideas about the skills, improving the security of various nations. These individuals also depict the dependency of these three concepts on one another. As analysts require gathered information, the technicians are needed by them to decipher this technological intelligence. Each of these experts is important due to their roles in acquisition of results apropos of intelligence data.
The existence of both high and low technologies is a salient portrayal of the dependence on these advancements. Often, analysts are urged to utilize lower forms of technology in an attempt to reduce the challenges faced while understanding the information. These low types of technologies are also classified as old technological devices (Vriens, 2004). They are preferred due to their nature and ability to capture information that is relevant to analysts. Using these older technologies also assists experts to minimize their reliance on the same; due to obsoleteness and redundancy of these machines. When analysts employ these technologies, they manage to counter other nations’ expertise by indirectly cajoling them to utilize similar devices. Notwithstanding, it is more effective for analysts to use both high and low technologies as well as human intelligence in collecting relevant details. It is important for militaries and armies to portray the existence of danger beforehand. Cell phones, cameras, alarms and magnification are some of the required technologies to exhibit presence of trouble and danger. In addition to these, human beings are specifically essential in giving warning through noise and watching, among other ways. Developing a balance between technology and human intelligence is important in reducing over-reliance on the former.
Moreover, it is essential to understand the ancient nature of technical intelligence. Despite recent developments in better technologies, different analysts have delved into the study of technology, intelligence and security. To be precise, experts in the fields of geospatial intelligence, signals intelligence and technical intelligence have engaged in this debate. There is, however, an inevitability of changes noted in some collection methods. Prior, these analysts did not dwell on the break down and demarcation of acquired material. It is also important to observe the rampancy of human intelligence in the field. These happenings are opposed to today’s over-reliance on technological advancements by militaries and armies. Machines and devices, as prior mentioned, have replaced the necessity of human beings and their impact on intelligence. It is forlorn that technology interferes with analysts’ creativity due to over-reliance on the former. Without creative thoughts, these human beings fail to understand the content collected and gathered as intelligence. To prevent and counteract over-reliance on technologies, human beings should not eliminate their thinking and reasoning capacities. Individuals are required to classify these machines as tools used to improve the process of gathering intelligence data and information. As a matter of fact, these analysts should only utilize technology to supplement their collected and analyzed intelligence.
In the wake of technology, some militaries disregard the presence of human intelligence. Countries such as Yemen and Syria have shown derogatory results due to over-reliance on technologies. Unlike others, both nations experience difficulties in ensuring their prevention and security measures, as whole. Using real life situations, people witness that successful militaries offer allegiance to human intelligence (Vriens, 2004). Osama Bin Laden’s search, for instance, was accomplished due to the existence of experts during the investigation. However, the rapid growth of technological devices in America has reduced their reliance on human beings. The concept of intelligence operates on balance as depicted in the U.S. and other nations. When they possess human intelligence, there is a reduction of technological expertise and vice versa.
According to Hall and Citrenbaum (2010), most generals in armies advocate for less dependence on technology. They offer enlightenment about the misuse and overuse of machines and devices apropos of handling security matters. Despite the importance of radios, soldiers are urged to trust in their skills and expertise. While these devices are used for communication, militaries should acquaint themselves with other methods of passing information. It is uncanny to observe laziness and dormancy in soldiers during system glitches (Hall & Citrenbaum, 2010). These human beings, trained to endure harsh conditions, should manage their day to day activities even without requisite tools. As mentioned, technology should be treated as supplements or extras in achieving national security.
Research also details the extensive use of radios among soldiers in the military. These findings offer affirmative responses to the topic of individuals over-relying on technology (Hall & Citrenbaum, 2012). In a hyperbolic tone, there are folk that examine the utter utilization of radios within militaries. Their observations entail the inability of these soldiers to switch off communication devices. It is important to use technology in moderation so as to maintain its essentiality in acquiring intelligence data (Chen & Yang, 2008). When human beings learn to thrive in the absence of these technologies, there is hope and uprising for the futuristic developments. Using devices and machines to substitute human beings depicts weakness among these individuals in the army. Such instances are considered contrary, considering the intense training and education offered to people in the army. As a matter of fact, technologies should be a foreign concept in the world of militaries due to their expertise and skills in handling intelligence issues. It is, therefore, quite obvious that different parties require these militia folk to utilize less technology.
Regardless of the drawbacks, technology and science will always be an important part of America’s intelligence. The essentiality is not accorded to specific capacities as the nation will embrace technology despite its role. While some function in bringing about progress, other machines and devices are useful in improving the current ones. It is, however, mandatory for folk to differentiate between old and new technologies. Today, these machines are more complex hence they deserve utter focus and concentration. The previous technologies, often operating on low specifications, do not require extensive attention (Cook & Masakowski, 2007). The existence of complexities in recent technologies is blamed on rapid growth of insecurity and terrorist acts in various nations. Additionally, development of advanced machines influences the prevalence of technology intelligence in countries such as the U.S. The daily progressive nature of these devices often leads to acquisition of excessive intelligence information which, as discussed, becomes problematic.
Fortunately, the introduction and widespread nature of technology in the U.S., has improved intelligence hence reducing both internal and external threats to the nation. Existence of technological ideas also improves the status quo in America by setting aside provision of new and better directives. Such instances may be assumed to depict over-reliance and dependency on technical concepts (Heymann, 2003). In the wake of these developments, people should strive to integrate concepts of invention and innovation so as to acquire greater tools. It is quite clear to observe a relationship between human and technical intelligence due to the former’s influence on the latter. Without people’s creativity, it would be impossible to produce most of these devices and technologies.
Before employing technologies, it is important for nations to understand the pros and cons. According to Major (2001), militaries ensure that their risks are well-managed despite the prevalence of undoing and weaknesses apropos of technology. If these channels fail to augur positive results, it is important for armies, soldiers, and militiamen to rely on human intelligence. As a matter of fact, information obtained from people is neither exaggerated nor distorted. Unlike technologies, collecting data using human beings does not cause financial, psychological or physical drain (Major, 2001). As discussed, these devices and machines become obsolete due to their failure to offer accurate findings. Major details the bulkiness and burdensome nature of technologies that do not impact intelligence in a positive manner. In understanding the benefits and drawbacks of technical intelligence, numerous researchers castigate over-reliance on the same.
After a successful murder of the terrorist named Osama Bin Laden, most nations embraced technological intelligence due to existence of dangerous individuals. Mafias, drug cartels and child traffickers were also eliminated using these advanced technologies. Investing in advanced intelligence has reduced both national and international insecurities. After 9/11, there have also been fewer attacks due to existence of high-end technologies and devices. Apart from the U.S., it is necessary to observe the over-reliance on submarines in Russia, Britain, France and China, respectively. The United States of America still retains first position due to its possession of about 54 vessels. China, despite being last with 6 vessels, delineates over-reliance on modern technology and machines (Chen, 2006). In addition to having more submarines, the U.S. possesses better and more advanced vessels. Their extreme focus on creating an improved environment for new technologies is an indicator of its over-reliance and dependence on technical intelligence (Johnson, 2007). Insofar America possesses the best technology, it is essential to understand the salient risks and challenges faced by the country. The expense and costly nature of equipment used by the U.S. military does not eliminate its affiliation with complications. Due to its participation in wars with different countries, intelligence technology is requisite in America’s army and militia (Moore & Center for Strategic Intelligence Research, 2009).
Amidst over-reliance and dependence, it is also salient to observe complacency and inconsistencies in the wake of technical intelligence. Nations fail to continue fighting for their freedom and liberation due to the existence of assistance. Human beings misuse this equipment in attempt to salvage themselves from the troubles. Complacency is noted when individuals exhibit indifference after acquiring the necessary technologies and tools. Jackson (2009) observes the roles of technology in multiplying as well as dividing soldiers in the army. Like other researchers and scholars, she endorses the necessity of intelligence machines and equipment in the U.S. The prevailing nature of technology, Jackson reiterates, has strengthened the Defense Department in America due to their formidable confidence apropos of intelligence and security. As machines such as submarines, unmanned aircrafts and drones instigate over-dependence on technology, it is important to utilize them accordingly due to their salient influence on America’s intelligence and security. (Jackson, 2009)
According to Steele (2001), Americans should pay more attention to the citizens rather than technological objects. Despite the greatness of these equipment, the author reiterates the worth and importance of American folk. He indirectly urges the nation to utilize both human and technical intelligence for its protection and security (Steele, 2001). In various capacities, people possess formidable control over these technological advancements. It is, therefore, important to instigate the balance between people and devices. Even if individuals are seen to over-depend on technology, the latter’s reliance on them is also quite evident. Logically, machines are manufactured to ease the work of human beings. As a result, it is impossible for distinct technological equipment, tools and devices to thrive in the absence of human beings. Understanding the complexities and risks of technologies allows nations to utilize them without achieving null results at the end. As outlined, it is also important to counteract these challenges by combining human and technological input.
Both human beings and nations have become over-reliant on technology for intelligence collection, gathering and analysis. Different scholars understand the essentiality of these tools in curbing unrest and instability in various nations. The 9/11 attacks and Osama Bin Laden saga are testimonies apropos of the workable nature of technical intelligence. Despite human input surpassing technology while hunting for Bin Laden, various vessels and equipment were also used. There is evidence of ironical and paradoxical instances apropos of militaries’ and their slacking in recruiting personnel due to reliance on science and technology. In the wake of great developments, risks and challenges are inevitable. It is important to differentiate the issue of over-reliance and balance between technologies and human intelligence. When these technical devices portray risks, certain groups and individuals may resort to eradicating them completely. However, the challenge is not in prevailing technologies. People should simply learn the modes of using both humans and machines in acquiring relevant security information. Replacing human labor, as observed, interferes with employment opportunities. Due to its rapid growth, individuals should strive to embrace and regard the existence of technologies. In America, for instance, there are high-end equipment and tools useful in protecting the country from attacks. Proper intelligence collection is necessary in safeguarding both international and national security.
References
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