Will technology ruin the game of chess?

Nobody is saying that computers will ruin the game of chess, but that technology is under fire for whether it is a benefit or a detriment to the soul of the game its self.

I'm pretty sure "technology" isn't in the business of "stealing souls."  Personally, I'm liable to worry more about that sad subset of "humans" who'd be interested in Using technology to "steal souls," ... those soul-stealing Sons of Something-or-Other-Really-Bad! (I picture them looking like this:  [<--- angry emoticon]) 

Just like in Doctor Who! ;)

Oh? Haven't watched that since the 80s.

Hmm...Don't know.

No it will improve chess, cheaters will be caught and we will learn. :)

I have to disagree. Take Boris Ivanov for example. Technological advances will only make it more easy to cheat. Anti-Cheating technology will always be one step behind the new technology.

Yes, very good point.

What's a "chess engine?" and how do I get one? and what kind of fuel does it run on? and if it's oil or natural gas isn't that bad for the environment?  Steam would be OK ... no, not if it used wood or coal to make the steam ... and don't get me Started on nuclear ... wait, I'll bet it's a Computer Thing! ... well, then, never mind.  I never wanted to use one anyway -- I like playing with mostly human beings.  (read the last three words either way.) :-)

Never try to explain technology to your mother in law. They run on hydrogen these days. But i will get you the latest model with 4 terra of anti matter.

"Anti-Mater?" Like in "mother?"  Is that some kind of joke?!  You're "anti-mothers?!"  Shame on you.  I'm an old woman, and I demand to be treated with respect.  (If you do apologize, though, I'll forgive you.  And I'll let you pick out one piece of hard candy from the bowl on the table in the hall. )

Ok sorry.

Technology is ruining postal chess, it's all Houdini vs Houdini

No. Anti-matter is the opposite of normal matter. Nothing to do with mothers.

It's OK, dear, I was joking.  I know it's hard to tell sometimes.  Especially with my "jokes."  That's why I usually add smiley faces.  There should be an acronym for "Don't Worry, It's Just A Joke."  Let's start one:  "dwijaj."  There.  Pass it on to others and we can use it all the time! 

Yes.

I think the biggest impact technology has made outside of chess engines and chess computer is the fact that it's enabled the game to be played constantly over the internet. It's a good/bad thing in some regards. It's turned the game more impersonal, but it's also made playing more accessible. You have to take the sweet with the sour I suppose.

I suppose.

The ethics of cheaters might ruin the game.  Technology is just the medium.

Catching the cheats will always be a game of cat and mouse.

Same thing has been happening in international bridge competition for many years, which (effectively) led to the creation of "duplicate bridge," and all sort or barriers to exchanging information between players during the game.  The Italians and French were regularly implicated in cheating scandals at the World Championship level, starting in the 1950s.

Still the cheating continues.  Some people, (many people), remain ethically challenged.

No surprise there.

And it's even worse on the annonymous internet. 

They cheated at luck bridge and this led to duplicate bridge?

It is possible to cheat at duplicate bridge also.