The purpose of this blog is
to discuss the way technology affects our society and encourage
acceleration of technological progress. I strongly believe that even
though technological progress can result in loss of jobs and
difficult adjustments in the short term, it will greatly improve human condition in the
long term. In fact, it already has. Case
in point is the average life expectancy. Only a hundred years ago, the average life expectancy was 51.5 years for men, and 55.9 years for women. Today, it is not uncommon for people to live well into their nineties. The dramatic increase in life expectancy is just one example of how technology has allowed us to live longer, healthier and happier lives. We have come a long way. I believe that governments, organizations and individuals must do much more to speed up technological progress. Hence I decided to start this blog. We will discuss not only the current technological advancements, but also the way they affect our society. And of course, we will discuss the ways progress can be speeded up.
What awaits us in the next 20-50 years? Will manual labor going to be done entirely by machines? Let's ask a more controversial question: will all intellectual labor be done by machines? Some futurists say "yes" to both. Many go as far as suggesting that the humankind is bound to merge with machines. Will machines take over the world and destroy humanity? Allow me to take the liberty to answer in the negative. After all, technology will be what we, humans make of it.
In the near future among other things, we can expect:
1. Self-driving cars that will undoubtedly save many lives because we would no longer rely on our human motor skills to operate our pick-up trucks and SUVs
2. Wearable computers that will assist us in our everyday tasks and help us connect with others in ways unimaginable just a decade ago
3. Treatments for many previously untreatable diseases
I cannot wait to bear witness. I am looking forward to reading your comments and suggestions.
In the near future among other things, we can expect:
1. Self-driving cars that will undoubtedly save many lives because we would no longer rely on our human motor skills to operate our pick-up trucks and SUVs
2. Wearable computers that will assist us in our everyday tasks and help us connect with others in ways unimaginable just a decade ago
3. Treatments for many previously untreatable diseases
I cannot wait to bear witness. I am looking forward to reading your comments and suggestions.
once we swap the organs out on a regular basis, we'll up the lifespan by at least another 20 years
ReplyDeleteyep, we need spare parts
ReplyDeleteI also believe we will see the three advances you listed, but whether this will be in the near future depends on how we define "near." Specifically, I think self-driving cars are a long way off, for two reasons: (a) they would require extensive changes to existing laws and regulations governing motor vehicles, insurance, and liability, and (b) the public would have to have enough confidence in the technology to give up direct control of their vehicle for portions of their trip. Computer-aided collision avoidance systems will be a good start.
ReplyDeleteWith respect to longevity, quality of life matters far more than mere extra years. The fact that we have the ability to extend a person's life doesn't mean that it is the right -- or the humane -- thing to do in every case.
Americans want to drive. At least, they do now. Generation Y may not.
ReplyDeleteWe may live longer but we live with chronic diseases due to our consumption of animal products: Cancers, diabetes, heart disease, dementia. Technology keeps us alive (if you call this alive) longer but with half the population having dementia and a host of other chronic diseases for the rest of their lives. 80 to 90% of all cancers are diet related, all chronic diseases (which are diseases of affluence) are diet related.
ReplyDeleteLiving longer would be fantastic if most people adopted a healthy lifestyle and therefore the need for retirement homes would be seriously diminished.