It has come to my attention and it has been weighing on my mind just how rapidly and unmitigatedly technology is advancing. And it’s taking me by surprise that even someone like me, who’s always been enthusiastic about technology, and essentially discoveries and innovation that could take us all further, or just keep us from being stuck in the old same, now finds it concerning.
Why? Well, there are a few things to consider beyond the obvious.
• You could keep up with all the latest news and updates about technology and you still wouldn’t know exactly and for sure just how ahead things are. It’s only rational to believe that it’s most likely that only a tiny fraction of what’s been achieved comes out to the public. For various reasons, including and not limited to testing, marketing, economy, war, preferring only a few know of and have it, etc.
• You would assume that progress made within technology keeps up the same pace throughout the years, but that’s not the case at all. When there are breakthroughs, especially significant ones that propel what follows, the pace accelerates, perhaps exponentially. And now with AI feeding itself and evolving with all the available information we have so far, along with who knows what else, you cannot expect it to be a slow dance. Maybe it’ll hit a few short pauses here and there, but it’ll keep rolling.
• You can bet technology can solve most, if not all, problems in the world. And it could. But will it? It depends on whose hands it is and what they are willing to do with it. There’s no denying that instances in which it has been helpful to humanity, even at the cost of what’s not so altruistic, exist. Demolishing what was established and making way for what’s more convenient to the people. But a lot of the time, it’s as though it’s minimal, only enough to ease the unrest. And at this rate, they might not bother as much or at all anymore with that.
• You have knowledge and wisdom accessible like never before, yet we’re getting dumber. And that’s what happens when you indiscriminately mix information with misinformation and disinformation while devising and maintaining systems that incentivize attention-seeking behaviors more than they do thorough research and reflection. Call it what you will, but what we have popularized right now is not fostering a decent education for the majority. It’s not that everyone should be erudite, but at least not get the facts so mixed up or swept under the radar. (Not to mention, rumors say that we’re more likable when we're dumb.)
• You are very much replaceable. And this is more and more true as robots and machines continue to copy us and outdo us. What I wonder then is… Why keep us after all? What is going to keep us here when all’s accomplished? If only the abusive decide, what happens when they no longer have use for us? It could get quite messed up, covertly or overtly. If I indulge in wishful thinking, though, they wouldn’t be ruling and there’d be a utopia instead - or at least a more pleasant life for all. But then again… *gestures to what we have*
I’m not gonna lie, this is heavy stuff that’s been bothering me and I hate to be the bearer of bad news. But I figure that, nonetheless, it should be considered for the matter is… already here. And as maddening as it can be, taking this (and more) into account can keep you sane.
There’s a defeating powerlessness that comes with it, when you realize that there’s very little that you can do to set and guide the course towards more favorable outcomes, other than making contributions and hoping enough of others do too, and might just have to accept the inevitable.
However, if it is of any consolation, you still have time to live in the current reality. Go and do the things you’ve always wanted to do; not with reckless abandon, but with the intention to stop postponing them so much. So that when/if drastic changes arrive that render them unattainable, you can embrace them as a new chapter, able to let go of the previous one fulfilled, ready to begin handling what is next in store.
I’m somebody who can often be consumed by intrigue and fascination, so even grim scenarios may be tolerable sometimes, and that’s indeed an asset for survival. But if you can fight to make things objectively better for yourself and those around you, however you’re capable, when it gets rough, then do. Don’t just passively welcome and adapt to anything and everything.
