Final answer:
Isaac Asimov uses his works to suggest that humans grapple with confusion and frustration when faced with technological failures. Science fiction often acts as a commentary on societal issues, touching upon themes like the rapid evolution of technology versus human adaptability, and the long-term sustainability of advanced civilizations in the context of the Fermi paradox.
Step-by-step explanation:
Isaac Asimov suggests that humans often react with confusion and frustration to problems with technology. When DV-5, a piece of technology, went 'out of whack,' scientists were baffled, highlighting the difficulty we face when complex systems fail and our limited understanding of these systems. Authors like Asimov use science fiction to explore societal reactions to technological issues, such as our dependency on technology, the social and political changes it brings, and the potential for a technological civilization to survive within planetary limits.
Our relationship with technology is complicated by the rapid pace of technological evolution, which outstrips our ability to adapt at a societal level. Concerns about technology's impact on our ability to cooperate as a species, our privacy, and our safety are common – especially considering the potential threat of artificial intelligence and its alignment with human values.
These narratives reflect the broader societal concerns about our technological trajectory and the sustainability of an advanced civilization, both of which are tied into the Fermi paradox and our place in the universe. The idea that intelligent species don't routinely 'make it' due to self-destruction or failure to navigate technological challenges is also a theme that can be drawn from Asimov's work and other science fiction literature.