Editing Iron Man (section)

=== Technology ===
Technology and its influence on society are common themes in Iron Man stories,{{Sfn|Vohlidka|2015|p=121}}{{Sfn|Hogan|2009|p=201}} and various writers have portrayed him as a technological marvel since his earliest appearances.{{Sfn|Patton|2015|p=14}} The character's use of technology, both as a weapons manufacturer and as Iron Man, explores problems that arise from progress and advancement,{{Sfn|Curtis|2010|pp=236–238, 240}} including misuse of technology and the implications of [[cybernetics]].{{Sfn|Curtis|2010|pp=240–241}} Iron Man's position within the suit allows for discussion regarding [[automation]] versus human oversight of technology,{{Sfn|Mulligan|2015|pp=206–207}} and it reflects the debate on how new technologies are incorporated into public and military use, including the use of exoskeletons and battle suits.{{Sfn|Rieder|2010|pp=42–45}} These technological themes are explored through a modern lens during the "Extremis" story arc, which incorporates the idea of [[human enhancement]] through [[biotechnology]].{{Sfn|Michálek|2015|pp=194–195}}{{Sfn|Hogan|2009|p=210}}

Depictions of technology in Iron Man stories have often endorsed its use to alter the natural world.{{Sfn|Alaniz|2015|pp=58–59}} This is in contrast with Silver Age Marvel stories, where radiation and other technological advancements were portrayed as dangerous.{{Sfn|Cooley|Rogers|2015|p=80}}{{Sfn|Zanco|2015|p=164}} Iron Man's engineering talent is key to his heroism, unlike other heroes who use engineering to supplement superhuman abilities.{{Sfn|Dunn|2010|pp=7–8}} This makes it more plausible that something like Iron Man could exist in the real world, as it is only technological advancement that separates Iron Man from reality.{{Sfn|Rieder|2010|p=39}}{{Sfn|Zehr|2011|p=154}} Iron Man's power of flight is especially significant in the technology's symbolism, as it associates traditional heroic imagery with a technological component, giving this power to a man who created it himself in a [[Transcendence (philosophy)|transcendental]] fashion.{{Sfn|Faller|2010|pp=258–260}}