What next? TechnoloGUY? (6/3)
As an aspiring engineer, I’m always curious as to what tomorrow holds for technology. I just 4 short years, my entire lifestyle has changed because of advancements in technology. All of my files are saved to the cloud, allowing for easier access, and I am better organized because of online calendars. Applications let me monitor my health and exercise schedule. Four years ago, I would have thought that many of these advancements would have been impossible. Now, I can’t imagine my life without them.
Four years from now, I see the technoloGUY- a person who’s entire life is automated. A person who can simply think about a topic to make a paper. Who can communicate without even opening her mouth. Who can live without wasting time eating or drinking. I can easily imagine a world full of technoloGUYs, and I’m more surprised to know that this could potentially be a reality.
Technology is rapidly advancing to extend human capabilities. Here are a few of my favorites:
Neurohacking: Basically one of my worst fears. The principle is that by decoding EEGs and brain wave signals, a program can transcribe your thoughts. I never had thought about it before, but the article mentioned neuromarketing, which would be incredibly effective. By pandering to an individual’s demand specific to his/her brain chemistry, companies will be able to sell a lot of product. This kind of technology has a high potential for misuse.
No-Touch Interface: This is one of my favorite advancements. One of the most tedious aspects of using technology is typing. I love using voice control to write memos so that I can multitask (it’s easier to speak than to type). Making more aspects of daily life voice controlled is a definite plus. Current technologies, like washing machines, showers, and cars would really benefit from a no-touch interface (YES PLEASE MAKE VOICE ACTIVATION FOR CARS I STILL DON’T KNOW WHICH PEDAL IS ACCELERATION AND WHICH ONE IS BREAK). This would definitely make technology more accessible.
Optimizing Brain Capacity? Okay this one isn’t 100% technology integrated into human life, but it discusses using technology to train our brains to memorize better. The app, Memrise, uses a variety of psychological techniques to maximize memorization ability. It’s not the only one out there. Apps like Duolingo use similar techniques to teach skills and techniques.
Dark Networks: Throw back to passion project. Technology will extend human’s ability to network and communicate. The internet will become a place for cybercriminals and hackers, so more technological vigilance is needed. I think it’s interesting that historically, the power was with those who had the brute force and power. More recently, power followed money and technological advancement. Now, it seems like power over the internet lies with those who have the resources and the brainpower.
Wearable technology is in our future: here is a lengthy, but really well done short film about future tech: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UipJ5CbFFf0&list=UUiNYSxh5l28_gCeC-zyr-6A&index=3&feature=iv&src_vid=oYOmZlTjsQ0&annotation_id=annotation_2431806935
The future of technology is best stated by a Forbes article: “ The future of technology is, ironically, all too human.”










