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Tokyo Mirrored a la "Machine City" (Flickr/Ethan Hein)
No, I’m not referring to a Matrix like AI community that controls the human race, but rather the time when all of our various gizmos merge into one do-it-all device. At this exact point in time, most denizens of mainstream society possess, at the very least, three devices: a computer, cell phone, and television. According to Moore’s law, technology improves at an exponential rate; consequently, I think the knowledge necessary to seamlessly unify these products will be available within the decade. The pressing question then becomes one of a more philosophical nature. Specifically, will our society use such a device and forsake all others?
The possible rebuke will stem from a debate of socializing vs. isolating. The three devices mentioned above are, to varying degrees, a supposed enhancement of our interactions with others. The massive popularity of social networking sites, video chat, voip calling, texting, traditional calling, watching movies, and playing video games all support this conclusion.
Television of course is the most directly social piece of technology, and the quality that makes it so will obviously be lost in a future where each individual has their own personal screen. On a deeper level though, none of these things are social in any kind of traditional sense. Using our computers is something we do alone, even if we’re making virtual connections. Cell phones are something we use alone, even if we are hearing a digital playback of other’s voices. Even televisions are a lonely affair, watching a movie with someone is an extremely passive way of interacting.
The point being; all of these devices create an environment in which the focus of attention is not another person, but instead, the device. Personal interaction is metered through the functioning of the device and is of secondary importance.
The reason I illustrate such a point is because the fear that a unified device will cause isolation is already a reality today.
Admittedly, the thought of an undeniably Orwellian society is a little terrifying on a practical level. Imagine each person having their own individual little box which is rarely, if ever, used by another human simultaneously. But then realize the scenario you just imagined has materialized as of now
In my opinion, when people come to see there is such a slight difference between the social implications of a singular device vs. what is being used presently, the new technology will be adopted for the sake of convenience and efficiency. In a capitalist world, little matters more than the bottom line, and if time is money; whatever saves time will be adopted regardless of its impact on the general society.
I will leave it to the readers to provide their opinions on what this device will actually look like and when it might be available; also, please comment on the philosophical aspect of this topic.
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