We’re beyond the times of VHS tapes and home phone lines. Technology has moved forward and transformed us. For example, today’s kids don’t have to watch commercials while those of decades ago had no choice. What’s to come in the near and distant future? Perhaps we can theorize what’s next by viewing the past.
Photo by Jennifer ChernoffTalk to Anyone
Our means of communication have improved incredibly considering the telephone was invented in 1876. In the 19th century, it was amazing a person’s voice could be captured and instantly transmitted so another could hear from a remote location. Today, you could call anyone anywhere in the world from your computer to speak and see them too. It’s enabled long term relations to flourish between family members, friends, and lovers. It’s also opened wide doors for international, national, and local commerce. Of course, there are some ironic idiosyncrasies; many prefer to send a text when needing to quickly communicate, which is convenient but a lot less sociable and intimate.
Around the Clock Entertainment
Remember the days of needing to get home to watch a favorite television show? Then came the VHS that could record a show (that was before the age of TiVo). In the past, those who loved a film in the theater had to wait awhile until it was available on VHS. Then, DVDs offered a better audiovisual experience. Today, some forego the entire theater experience, using modern day tech tools to experience the same at home. As movie formats improved, televisions got bigger, lighter, and hosted more pixels.
Health on the Monitor
Today’s hospitals and doctor’s offices are infused with technology that helps doctors and assistants provide the best care. Furthermore, the availability of information on the web helps assuage the concerns of those who survey symptoms and want to self-diagnosis. Online forums provide the chance for people with similar ailments to provide advice and support. Video conferencing and methods of medicinal delivery enable those in rural and distant areas to get ‘big city’ health care.
That’s No Longer Healthy
Advancements in medicine enabled doctors and officials to make sound discoveries regarding food and drugs. For example, while it’s still legal to manufacture, sell, and distribute cigarettes, there is plenty of literature that establishes its detrimental effects. Understanding nicotine is addictive and people need help in weaning off of it, manufacturers produced vaporizers filled with e-juice flavors and varying the amount of the stimulant.
Get a Remote Degree
Many teens dream of going to a university, learning skills, and enjoying a prosperous career. Technology has enabled students in distant lands with little funds to pursue dreams and earn college credits. Distance or the inability to attend traditional classes was a problem for many until the advent of online universities and implements that would allow students to ‘attend’ class from anywhere in the world. Also, iPods and other learning implements that use special apps and features allow those with learning disabilities to keep pace with peers.
See the World
Many echo the want to “see the world.” For a long time, that was a possibility for very few who had the time, funds, and means to see the planet. Technology has enabled us to get to places in faster time, even to places beyond the stars in the sky. Centuries ago, horses were the fastest way to get around. The modern traveler takes trains, planes, cars, helicopters, Segways, and more to maneuver about their neighborhood and the globe.
Instant Library Aisles
Decades ago, intellectuals waltzed the aisles of local libraries pulling from books, viewing microfiche reels, and borrowing information for weeks at a time. Now, a lot of the world’s information is at your fingertips. It’s not an invitation to believe anything you read online, but most libraries, colleges, and academic institutions make information available for free or for a price.
Add Another Job
Not many people like the thought of working two jobs, yet most need extra money. Current technology allows people to easily research and engage in another industry or job. For example, a day worker could make money at night driving for Uber. A bartender who works nights could spend their days as an online marketer, helping websites gain better online traction. Even better, working moms and dads don’t have to leave infants, young children, or pets with sitters. Many people work remotely from home or close by using WiFi at cafes, libraries, and shared workspaces. It’s a different world thanks to technology.
Lewis Harding is a self-confessed technology geek! He’s always 1 of the first to try out a new gadget or app, especially if it looks like it can improve his life. He writes about his findings in his articles.
