Digital technology is developing at a fast and furious pace, in a chaotic and unpredictable manner. Many believe such technologies should be restrained. Research by SPRU (Science and Technology Policy Research Unit) at the University of Sussex, however, argues that such views betray a habit of thinking about technological development that is historically inaccurate and inappropriate to present circumstances. Instead, technological development both can and should be guided, if it is to have positive impacts on society.