Our World in 2050; Technology’s Future, Satya Arige, CA

We all know that technology is, and will continue to change our lives forever. Some future technologies that will greatly be of use to us in the near future include Artificial Intelligence - also known as AI, Cyber Security, Virtual and Augmented Reality, and Robots.

Artificial Intelligence is the theory and development of computer systems able to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and translation between languages. Like many things, AI has pros, and has cons. One thing that Artificial Intelligence will really help our society grow is that it does not get worn out easily. For example, robots don’t need to go home everyday to sleep, or to have a lunch break, they just need a few hours of charging. Using AI, there will be less room for errors. For instance, 94% of the car accidents are caused by human error! Whereas, self-driving cars are only blamed for 38 incidents in 4 years! Meanwhile, Artificial Intelligence leads to an outrageous unemployment rate. It also incurs very high costs.

Cyber Security is the practice of defending computers, servers, mobile devices, electronic systems, networks, and data from malicious attacks. Cyber Security guarantees excellent salaries to those who are qualified at the higher levels of this profession. It also is in demand. Its unemployment rate is at 1%, and even dropped to 0%, at one point. On the other hand, Cyber Security requires constant learning. For example, if an employee does not work in this field for an extended amount of time, he or she might have to revise the basics of the job again.

Virtual Reality is a simulated experience that can be similar to or completely different from the real world. One great thing about Virtual reality is that it is simply better than reality. For example, VR is used in video games to give the user a feeling that he or she is in another world. Virtual Reality is also used in various fields. For instance, VR is used in military education, and in medical training. Then again, Virtual Reality has high cost demands; people who cannot afford these will be left out from using this type of technology. Just like any other technology, VR can be addicting too. This addiction can lead to future health issues.

As we all know, robots are going to be a huge part of our future. Robots are machines resembling a human being and are able to replicate certain human movements and functions automatically. Robots are already taking over many manufacturing jobs, and will soon be the center of technology. Robots do not tire and can work very long hours without service or maintenance. As a result, robots can be significantly more productive than people. Robots can also be much more precise than humans. For example, robotic hands do not tremor and shake as human hands do. As if now, robots are conducting surgeries through doctors that are working remotely! Though on the contrary, the biggest issue with using robots is the huge loss of jobs for people. Up to 25% of American jobs have been lost to automation!

Overall, it may be said that future technology will be the heart and soul of Earth in 2050. Technology will keep on growing vastly - will help us in certain ways, and may be our downfall in many ways - but it will make our human lifestyle easier and easier.