I think that we tend to not consider the long term effects of technology per se.
Which previously might have been put down to naivety and an overwhelming sense of confidence in our ability to mange technological advancements.
But we should be able to realise by now that technology often incurs hidden costs, which might adversely affect both society and environment.
And notwithstanding the burden of an aged and ever burgeoning population to both society and environment, we still strive to develop ever more complex ways to claw a few more precious months or years from our declining lives.
And as with all technology, nanotechnology will have applications, other than just medical.
And not just in human hands.
It would also be foolish to think that independent self replicating technology, will always be the stuff of sci-fi.