Meaning: Esther Dyson, a well-known scientist and technology investor, touches on an important aspect of human behavior and expectations in her quote: "Part of the problem is when we bring in a new technology we expect it to be perfect in a way that we don't expect the world that we're familiar with to be perfect." This quote encapsulates the common tendency for people to have high expectations of new technologies, often expecting them to be flawless and without any room for error. In contrast, we often accept imperfections and flaws in the existing world without the same level of frustration or disappointment.

When a new technology is introduced, there is often a sense of excitement and anticipation. People expect that this new technology will solve problems, make tasks easier, and generally improve their lives. However, this heightened expectation can lead to a sense of disappointment if the technology does not meet these lofty standards.

One reason for this phenomenon is the rapid pace of technological advancement. In today's world, new technologies are developed and released at an unprecedented rate. This constant influx of innovation creates a culture of high expectations, as people have become accustomed to seeing rapid improvements and advancements in the tech products and services they use.

Additionally, the marketing and advertising of new technologies often emphasize their benefits and capabilities, creating a sense of perfection and seamlessness. This further contributes to the unrealistic expectations that consumers have when adopting new technologies. The portrayal of flawless user experiences and seamless integration can set the bar unattainably high for the actual performance of the technology.

Furthermore, the human tendency to resist change plays a role in the way we perceive and react to new technologies. When people are asked to adapt to something new, they often expect a significant payoff for the effort and disruption involved in changing their habits and routines. This expectation of a substantial reward can lead to disappointment if the new technology does not deliver on its promises.

Dyson's quote also highlights an interesting contrast between our expectations of the digital world and the physical world. In the physical world, we have learned to navigate imperfections and accept that things are not always flawless. However, when it comes to technology, we often hold it to a much higher standard. This disparity in expectations can lead to frustration and disillusionment when the technology inevitably falls short.

It is important to recognize this disparity in expectations and to approach new technologies with a sense of realism. Understanding that no technology is perfect and that there will be a learning curve and potential challenges can help manage expectations and reduce disappointment. Additionally, developers and companies can strive to be transparent about the capabilities and limitations of their technologies, setting more realistic expectations for the users.

In conclusion, Esther Dyson's quote sheds light on the tendency for people to expect perfection from new technologies while accepting imperfections in the world around them. This phenomenon is driven by a combination of factors including the rapid pace of technological advancement, marketing messaging, and the human resistance to change. Acknowledging and addressing these unrealistic expectations can lead to a more balanced and positive experience when adopting and using new technologies.