Writing Help-Group For Everyone discussion

When we think of the future's technology, I'm sure most of us think of that futuristic world with flying cars, tall skyscrapers, whizzing tubes people can step into and be on their way all around the corners of the world. But, instead,we have to think a bit more realistically for the up-coming years.

Correctly predicting the future of technology has been described as a “fool’s errand”, because new technology one after another are constantly being invented. It is my prediction that in/around about 2025, the world will know a bit more about virtual reality technology than any other, seeing as how more people have shown interest in it over the years. We already have the Oculus Rift. What possibly comes next? Technology is becoming more and more rampant in 1st world countries as days, years go by. It is becoming a general norm that kids, sometimes below the age of 12, are associating themselves with things like mobile phones, iPad Touches, iPods, etc. and that the whole new generations are becoming “Digital Natives”. Imagining the whole world turning into one big, virtual reality game. That would be fun, would it not?

But this debate just isn't about the future in gaming technology. What's your opinion - do you think we (as humans) will develop deeper understanding and become wiser? Or, do you think that by the time we finally manage to develop solid technology in regards to it, the entirety of humanity will have been reduced into a bunch of drooling idiots glued to their headsets? I would like to hear your valued opinions on this characteristic subject. :)

I think we (as humans) will continue to keep 'advancing' so far as things such as the realm of technology. I mean, if we think about how far we've come within the last twenty years I think it's evident. What you said about kids with iPods and such is quite true, phoebe, and it goes farther. We now have computers and even video game consoles that will obey our very voices. VOICE COMMAND COMPUTERS. In not so far back days gone by they were a figment of our imagination given life on TV. Now anyone with fifty bucks or so can go down to their local electronic store and buy one.

The problem with our continual 'advancement' however, is that we seem to be causing more problems for ourselves. Personal data is painfully accessible to unwanted eyes, and our systems still have perpetual flaws that can be exploited by anyone with the right type of knowledge. Technological advancement has also seemed to section us off as human beings one from another. We're more separated from each other than ever, being too busy wrapped up in our own worlds provided by said technology. On the positive side, technological advancement has surely had its advantages. Medical knowledge continues to increase (even if some don't want to properly apply that knowledge to others.)

That's just my take on it.

You phrase it in an interesting manner, Julius.

But, as we develop our new "advancements", as you put it, there is a risk of getting too swept up in technological achievements in the future, where we type things without fearing the consequences. Where we are just mindless drones, enslaved to our computers like lazy lab-rats. Like you said - "personal data is painfully accessible to unwanted eyes," and governments and other facilities don't always have the brains to protect our data. Every kid, adult and teenager has been warned from the start that sharing too much information and personal data online can end badly. I mean, sure - we meet friends online, we chat; we are all connected through our devices. But a mere text is not the same as a face to face conversation. Which raises questions for the future - when and if sustainable 3D realities become apparent in our communities, what data will we be able to maintain? What can we do with all our accessible information? There's just so many questions that can pop up in your head when thinking on such a broad subject. We certainly can't answer them all.

But, yes, on a plus note, man has developed many helpful things to contribute to society, such as medical and housing. I'm sure we'll continue to have our advantages and disadvantages in the course of our technological history. But biology has surely been made more interesting by some of the newest contraptions.