122 Should survivalists use and depend on advanced technology?

Survivalists should make maximum use of currently operating technologies to gather information and build networks, but should not establish such systems as permanent or essential systems. Here are some guidelines and cautions for using modern technology as survival tools.

• Non-networked, freestanding self-reliance technologies such as solar power, wind power, and hydroponics should be embraced and combined with older technology to build sustainable self-reliance systems, but dependence on interconnected, internet-dependent, or externally controlled systems should be avoided.

• Technologies that permit other entities to monitor your communications, purchases, habits, movements, and even listen to your conversations are counter to basic survival philosophy and practices.

• Dependency on or addiction to cell phones, social media, and artificial intelligence devices effectively negate any pretense of survival capability.

• Use good internet security. Avoid opening unidentified emails. Avoid online banking, change passwords frequently, do not put information on social media, and do not respond to online surveys. Buy at stores with cash when possible to avoid having your purchases and habits tracked and your banking information available to the world.

• Real, active training and group building is the only reliable way to survive and remain independent in the future.

• Useful survival information may be gathered from the internet, but depending on that source in an emergency is foolish. Hard copies are still the only reliable storage method.

Regard technology as a tool to be used, but not depended upon. Use the tools, but do not let the tools use you.