Technology - The Double-Edged Sword


The pervasiveness of technology in our lives is greater than it ever has been. Over the last century, technology has transformed our lives irreversibly. Be it simple comforts like refrigerators or modern transport, to formidable computer computer power, lives of much of the human race are literally impossible without technology.

 In the last several years technology seems to be progressing by leaps and bounds. It already has reduced the requirement for some low-skilled professions. But what does artificial intelligence have in store for us? It'll impact highly skilled and well-regarded professions like legal and medical ones.

 What can we expect from such terrific advances? For sure it'll make lives simpler. As this report suggests, it'll be of medical assistance, offering speed and accuracy skilled medical professionals will not be able to match. Day to day life will be come easier in some respects.

 But what will be the side effects of pervasive technology on the social animal? It'll reduce human-human interdependence, it'll reduce communication between human beings, it may make us more individualistic. There will inevitably be widespread problems associated with lack of employment opportunities for a very large percentage of people in every society. Resulting crime and depression may also reach unprecedented spread across populations.

 The journey of technological advances is inevitable, irreversible and never ending. Just as individuals accept the conveniences and comforts technology offers, nations need to be prepared to manage the inevitable social problems they will face over the next several decades. Government across the world should already be preparing themselves and empowering their populations to handle such hard times.

http://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/google-to-bring-artificial-intelligence-into-daily-life/article17668274.ece

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