I think Andrew McAffe is highlighting a really interesting
topic that has slipped through my mind several times. Are we making ourselves a
big disservice with all new technology? My personal opinion is no as long as we
not invoke jobs that need a physical and human contact such as in health care
and I will explain why.
Many people are afraid of technology and the evolution going
on, because I think they are in nature afraid of big changes. But what many
people don’t think of is that their current job keeps evolving the whole time.
Just look at a receptionist. Back in time they used a
typewriter and before that a pencil in their work. Today the just use a
computer and are able to handle many more tasks than before.
Programmers used to have white coats and programmed punched
cards and it took days to just compile a small piece of code. Today is the
response from the compilers almost instant and it will probably continue to
evolve in the future.
The only drawback I can see with all the new technology
coming is in areas where it’s important to communicate and care for the human
being, such as in health care and in school. Who wants to be treated or
educated by a droid where it’s so important with human interaction and to be
treated and cared for by another human being? Not me, and hopefully no one else
either..
I couldn't more than agree with Andrew McAfee when it comes
to the environment. Technology is not always bad for the planet. I rather think
it will help us to solve our major issues with pollution.
Technical evolution is not something new and it will continue
to help us improve our work and we might not be doing what we are doing today,
but we will do more fun things, and things that we used to do will be taken
care of by newer technology. Why grieve the past when the future is in front of
us?
Actually a nice blog with a clearly point and good examples. But in your argumentation I miss one point. Of course the tasks for a receptionist have become easier while using a computer like you mentioned. But then if we continue thinking about it, maybe without a computer there is the need for 2 or even 3 employees. Of course this thought is exaggerated as in today's world more or less everyone is using a computer, but the consequences of using droids to simplify work is similar to this in my opinion.
SvaraRaderaAnd finally these 'lost' jobs become a problem if we think about countries for example like spain or greece where the unemployment in the youth (15-24years) is a little over 45% at the moment...
Toby
I want to start with saying that you have published a really well written reflection! You literally took the words out of my mouth, I could not agree more with you in this. Of course, I guess that both you and I are positively influenced in our nature of being students of a technical English course, we obviously like technique in one way or another. Not all people do that. But as you say, the people complaining about technique of today are often the same people not realising what technology has done to them and their lives.
SvaraRaderaEvolution is an important part of my life. I want to develop myself and also encounter evolution around me in my everyday life to not get bored. I see the future with droids walking the streets and working with us as an interesting and important change. Those who are afraid of losing their jobs due to a technical evolution, in this case a droid, might not be as negative to a computer, electricity or to the wheel, which also have made an impact to their professions and lives. It all depends on perspective. We cannot stop evolving to save jobs, we must strive for a better planet, happier people and learning. In this evolution, I think we will hold back enough to keep personal contact where needed to, just as you mention. To include all jobs, no matter their purpose, in this droid revolution would be careless and not for a better cause, which both you and I seem to think is one of the main reasons for this evolution.
Great reflection, I agree with you on almost every point you make!
SvaraRaderaIt seems like every one who choose this TED-talk came up with the same conclusion.
I think that the future looks promising in a tech-perspective and these droids/computers will help us to make the world to a better place.
I am looking forward to what we can accomplish, hopefully something great.