The essay 'Tapping into the Beam', discusses how in the next 50 years, information will take the form of a 'information beam'. This beam will be the new structure of the cyberworld and will have a big influence on the overall culture in society.
The Internet will be replaced by the Cybersphere. The Cybersphere will be full of information beams. These beams will carry all types of information from documents, pictures, audio recordings to even videos. Your entire life history will be able to be recorded and accessed through this beam.
While explaining how this change will occur, Brockman puts forth some interesting laws. He discusses how a rapid development in software is necessary. It is more important than advancements in hardware. Software is what is going to revolutionize technology in the future.
The law of replacement states that society replaces something when it finds something better- not newer! Many futurists believe that E-books will replace paper books in the next 50 years. E- books have a lot of practical advantages (they are portable, save paper etc.). The question remains whether society will find them better.
Finally he discusses how technology is a means, but not an end. Technology may be a part of each and every field in the future. It will be more powerful than what it is today- but we will not be wrapped up into it as we are today.
I completely agree that software is what will change our future. Without software the "hardware" or plastic/metal/glass/etc components can't "do" anything.
ReplyDeleteThe argument around e-books is really interesting. I think that ultimately e-books will prevail but the way they are delivered may change just as the way computers are built has changed. For example, e-books might be available in a hologram that is accessible at any time. I'm not so sure the popularity of paper will make a comeback, I think that a better delivery method may change the way we view e-books.
Just like the professor said before during the class, the technology advancement will ultimately get back to humanity. Such as more utilizing data mining to further understand consumer's behavior. This makes companies to provide more relevant messages to target audience and personalized service to sustain loyalty and satisfaction.
ReplyDeleteHence, we can understand that technology is being led by more customer-focused concept.
The idea I found most enjoyable about this read was that the author emphasized that we will still be social creatures. I think a lot of people (myself included) fear that in the future, we will have no need to leave our homes, for work, school, shopping, or anything! How lonely! However, this author recognized that although we may not need to leave for daily activities, we will find other reasons to leave and get together in person. Thank goodness!
ReplyDeleteSara, I agree with you regarding the e-book statement. It's funny that the author doesn't think e-books would replace actual books one day. I believe the Brockman book was written in 2002 and only 8 years later the Kindle and iPad have sold massive units demonstrating that folks are gravitating towards electronic reading.
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