Lots of people are declaring the end of the current tech cycle. And others are expressing their disappointment with the way it contributed to society. But I think these views are too near-sighted and unfairly malign technology’s incredible contributions in the last 10 years.
Every time I read something about the evils of new technology I think about this Louis CK clip talking about how the world has become so amazing and how everyone is pissed off about it. For some perspective, here’s how “disappointing” this tech cycle was:
The iPhone was introduced just NINE years ago. This device puts a camera, computer, browser, phone, GPS, flash light, calculator, clock, music player, recorder, library and a billion other things in YOUR POCKET. Do you know how amazing that is? If this cycle had ONLY produced the smartphone it would have been a SMASHING success. But no, this tech cycle also produced:
Cars that drive themselves.
Rockets that go into space and land by themselves.
Internet virtually anywhere.
3D printing.
Cloud data storage.
Electric cars.
Touch screen technology.
Machine learning.
Advanced robotics.
Social networks. Yes, I know some people don’t think these technologies contribute all that positively to society, but I think there’s an argument to be made that there’s nothing more powerful than the ability to increase the efficiency with which humans interact. Social networks like LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, etc are unbelievably powerful information sources and social interaction tools that only improve the way we all interact and improve the world around us.
Renewable energy advancements that are legitimately threatening to kill one of the most powerful industries of the last 200 years – oil and gas.
Payment processing technologies that threaten to kill one of the most powerful industries of the last 500 years – banking.
The AIDS vaccine and countless other incredible medical advancements.
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