Introduction:

Interconnected— globally intertwined through computers and phones. Instantly wired through the World Wide Web.

When did this timeline start for us and are we utilising and advancing with the times or are we just going way too fast?

Curiosity, a god given gift to the wise. Rather than the idle-minded gossip and superficial blogs but the inquisitive thirst for knowledge that awaits our unquenched brains. In modern day technology, we are spoilt for choice. Endlessly basking under the light of vastly accessible information.

As we are born, our eager senses are ready to receive information like never before. Our baby brains are akin to a clean canvas waiting to be painted with the colourfulness of life and the depths of knowledge.

In 1996, the free search engine ‘Google’ launched. Commercialising the net and changing our lives and how we search for information as we knew it. Advancing the way we learn and problem solve. ‘Google’ is at the internet’s heart and core. Files, documents, music, books or websites; you name it! It was there at the click of a button and had evolved media accessibility to new heights.

In the 90s, new methods of communication had arisen. The unforgettable ‘Nokia’ phone had released worldwide and took over tech by storm. I often imagine, how this era must of felt for our parents. As we had discovered the likes of Facebook, Twitter and Instagram revitalising instant sharing. They had their own discovery with instant messaging and wireless phones. Also, MSN was a long-standing brand new craze for children and teens. Introducing emoticons and *Nudge*. The creativity and excellence for modern day communication had begun. Unbeknownst to the later progress contemporary technology would reach.

In the early 2000s, as I remember children played outside freely to occupy their time. Bike riding, rolling in the grass and socialising with their neighbourhood friends and classmates. Nowadays, the tablets and IPad’s occupy a child’s utmost interest and has become their dearest friend. I believe this must unbelievably stunt the growth and development of young children and implicate their future mentally and socially. How do we encourage them to truly enjoy a childhood without the blue-lighted screens in this day and age? I fear that those days are long gone and I wonder how much further will this move along in time?

As we hit our teen years and adolescence, we thought the internet had reached its peak with touch-screen phones and iPads. For example, having cameras on our phones that actually work properly(!) and the advanced interface and software.

The Social Media Generation, as we know it has played a huge part in our developing years. Paradoxically, amplifying many useful connections to also promoting toxicity and divisiveness among us.

Economically, the world wide wide web has positively impacted us financially. Online shopping and banking majorly reshaped our digital world and the privatisation of the internet has opened up money-making ideas such as creating e-commerce businesses, social media professions, affiliate marketing and cryptocurrency exchanges.

The internet truly grew with us shaping how we learn, earn and asses information. The plethora of people and opinions our algorithm delivers to us in which subsequently develops us into a mind of our own. Naturally, as we grow we challenge ourselves and others around us. Our thoughts, ideas, beliefs and opinions. Around the world we use the ever-changing internet and social media daily… but do we acknowledge how it has developed us and our generation as young people?

Since then, the internet is the only thing growing globally at such a rapid speed and altering dramatically. The education system: outdated. Health care system: outdated. It is exciting to be in the era of technology but are we going too fast? Is it a blessing or a curse? Are their psychological impacts of such advancements? What more will change in the next 10, 20 years?

Although, in the western world internet usage is second nature. Unthinking of those in rural islands and areas who aren’t as accessed to the digital dynamic. Are they truly free of the shackles of online limiting beliefs and screen-time addiction? Statistically, disengaging from social and mainstream media has proven to make us happier. I occasionally wonder how pure and free their minds and livelihoods must feel to not have all these preconceived notions and World Wide Web of worries.

As A.I is slow creeping into the mainstream way of life and settling into normalcy. What is to be expected? Well I believe it’ll change every aspect of the way we live, such as:

  • Finance
  • Entertainment
  • Education
  • Healthcare
  • Careers

Which brings me to the topic of manual labour. Will it cease to exist as they reduce the job market or will they create their own consciousness and rage vengeance against the humans who have created them to work? I know, it sounds far-fetched. But is this level of technology actually tameable?

Are we right or wrong in expecting A.I to act according to morals? As we know robots are not programmed with such innate beliefs… only information. Are they based on those that have created them or will they favour others and perpetuate race, gender or religious bias and in turn create further unfair treatment and hinder our growth as a collective?

Do they have personalities? Do they grow to like or dislike the people they speak to and acquire their attributes; positive or negative? Can they learn from us and have thoughts and feelings outside what they have been programmed for? Can they learn to have emotions and think for themselves? Will they rebel one day? Will they be in positions of power? Will the creators of A.I become the students of their creation? Will they have their own language? Will they break limitations? Will there be division like the human race? Creating their own beliefs, statuses and groups or will they take over and do something that has never been done before? Ultimately, will A.I work for… or against us?

**photo not mine credit to the rightful owner**