I have never really been big into technology; that has been my brother’s field. He started building computers at around age twelve and started coding on his own in his free time. He is now majoring in cyber security and risk analysis. For me, it was always just the basics. But now as times are changing, we all need to be aware of what we are getting into and how not to get lost in the near future. Now some of you may be like me and don’t want this dramatic of a change because we like paper documents or because human interaction and tangible items are more reliable. But if you keep thinking this way and miss the chance to educate yourself on how to become more technologically advanced and discover the benefits of technology, you will be left behind in a technologically driven society.
First off, say goodbye to retail stores. There are several reasons that lead me to think that they will dissipate in the near future. For starters, the customer service at the majority of the stores I go to now is horrible. I have to wait around to ask a question or have to wait in a long line, or the employees do not have answers. All of the previously listed problems could be fixed by just shopping online. Not to mention shopping online is a lot cheaper. The other day my brother saw an SD card in a retail store, looked the exact brand and size up on amazon and found it for four times less than the retail store had it priced as.
Second, machines could start thinking like humans as early as 2025. And the other way around, humans will have instant facts ready for their use.
Third, clothing could give people superhuman skills in the next 10 years. Run faster, lift more, etc.
Lastly, textbooks will be gone and some companies are already banning paper in their offices. We will now rely solely on computers to store our information and virtual reality. It will change our educational system and business world.
Not many people like changing this dramatically but it is necessary. Now to me, when I heard all of this several issues came up in my head. If robots can now do our jobs for us, we will have high unemployment. But that issue is only temporary because we will then need people to work and maintain the robots and machines. It will only allow for less error and more efficient production. Second, I questioned whether it will affect human interaction and if we will all essentially be robots. But all it does is give us instant information and higher skill levels. Lastly, it made me think how will we be different if we all are so dependent on technology and have the same skills to start with. There will still be lazy people and motivated people. There will still be levels of productivity and what you choose to do with what you are given is what will make the difference. It will only allow us to advance as a society. The immediate impacts might be tough and scary, but in the long run it will be very beneficial for us all.
So do your research and be excited, not scared for the future.
