One World?
Things change so fast I can barely keep up. At first, change was gradual, the telephone, radio, television. Early computers also, but developments were measured and people had time to adjust to and embrace these additions to their lives. But now, its all happening so quickly. Home computers, faxing, then the internet, email, the mobile phone, digital cameras, mobile phones with cameras and the internet.
Now the iPod and podcasting. These things not only allow fast communication but, increasingly allow individuals and organisations to run their lives without the need for centralised controls i.e. governments, local authorities or large PLC’s. Even the companies themselves are finding that they can do more or less what they want, for good or ill. Perhaps in the future, the world will be made up of thousands of micro societies all doing their own thing, free from interference or regulation. This has probably started to happen already, including this one I’m writing to.
This can lead to the free exchange of ideas and information which can be used to expose corruption nationally and internationally but, can and has allowed the secrets of people’s formerly private lives to be similarly exposed. In fact, privacy could be facing extinction as recent hilarious (to the rest of us) media stories about private e-mails and mobile phone photos of indiscretions have shown. People often form relationships on the internet with others they have never met, sometimes using false names and identities. This is a way of preserving privacy through lying. So, clearly a contradiction, privacy under threat and yet privacy preserved via deception. Create new identities or steal someone else’s, identity theft, via credit cards.
There are millions of private web sites out there and, in the future millions of podcasts. So, millions are publicising their private lives, some under their real name and some with assumed names? Is the eventual outcome more communication and community, with everything known and shared or, is it increased isolation, where fantasy lives are lived entirely in one room, in front of a home entertainment centre and all shopping on the Internet delivered directly to your door and paid for by credit card? Remember, working from home is also now a reality for many. A bit of both probably depending on the individuals preferences. Freedom of choice I guess. Its both exciting and exhilarating but also slightly depressing. What do you think? Is the future One World or Fragmented World?
You can email Steve at steve@podfly.com
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