Computers - Technology Addicts Crack!? |
Technology addiction has even been recognized by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Among other things FEMA recognizes that technology trends have extended even beyond the expected avenues. For this they coined the phrase “The Internet of Things”. An interesting paper called “Technological Development and Dependency Long-term Trends and Drivers and Their Implications for Emergency Management” was published by FEMA under the Strategic Foresight Initiative, “A future of opportunities and risks will arise as people can remotely control, locate, and monitor everyday things – “The Internet of Things.” “The Internet of Things” refers to the general idea of things, especially everyday objects, which are readable, recognizable, locatable, addressable, and/or controllable via the internet. These everyday objects include not only electronic devices and the products of higher technological development such as vehicles and high-tech equipment, but things that many people do not ordinarily think of as electronic at all—such as food, clothing, and shelter; materials, parts, and subassemblies; commodities and luxury items; landmarks, boundaries, and monuments; and all the miscellany of commerce and culture. There are several rapidly developing technologies that are enabling the Internet of Things including sensor networks, positioning technologies, and biometrics.”
Technology will eventually be even more around us and involved in every aspect of our lives. Whether or not you consider that invasive or not isn't important. We have to be sure that we can function with autonomy when any aspect of our lives is interrupted by the inevitable hiccup/malfunction of technology. Use technology to make lengthy and common tasks shorter and more convenient. Don't use technology to replace your knowledge. Don't be the cashier lost in ignorance and far too dependent.