As technology become more tightly interwoven with the fabric of life, humankind is evolving rapidly with it. The computer is becoming us and we’re becoming the computer. Not convinced? When we get tired we “crash.” We love to multitask. And we tend to forget more, so we need “memory protection.” Those are three core traits of microprocessors, or the brains of computers.
Slim attaché cases have disappeared only to be replaced by carrying cases with wheels and retractable handles, better suited for that 10 extra pounds of digital gear you now carry. Feet sizes have also increased over the past 20 years to accommodate all that extra weight. In the past 20 years, the foot of the average woman has grown a full shoe size to an 8 or 9, up from a 7 or 8, The Wall Street Journal reported in July 2004.
One of the most popular comedy shows on television is CBS’ The Big Bang Theory — a story about four geeks and their digital lifestyle interactions that suggests that geeks are not only winning but are transforming the media landscape in the process. CBS scored another first: a TV show based on a Twitter feed, $#*! My Dad Says.
Automobiles are chosen based on their compatibility with Apple’s iPod or iPhone. Facebook updates can now be posted via GM’s OnStar system. iPads power the Equus owner’s manuals at Hyundai.
Almost a third of U.K. smartphone users think it would be worse to lose their handset than their wallet. A study of those aged 17 to 23 in 10 countries, including the UK, had participants spend 24 hours banned from using phones, social media, the internet and TV. They could use landline phones or read books.
One in five reported feelings of withdrawal resembling addiction while 11% said they were confused or felt like a failure.
New Cadillac models, like the XTS pictured here, feature seamless dashboard and iPad integration, proving once again that the digital lifestyle is imbuing all aspects of the real world.”
More than 100 million people worldwide have donned avatars, or “digital masquerades,” to play in remarkable virtual replicas of our real worlds, such as Rexon’s MapleStory or Second Life.
Human dialog is being replaced by terminology infused by technology, from multitasking to crashing to googling to photoshoping to blirting (flirting by BlackBerry) to texting. Other activities, such as “pretexting,” depend on technology.
For many, e-mail enslavement resembles that of a cocaine addiction. In fact, the ubiquitous BlackBerry, now used by some 8 million consumers, is pointedly known as the “CrackBerry.” The result of all this digital interaction is that human relationships are being affected in ever so subtle ways.
The New York Times reported in August 2006 that “as the number of home wireless networks grows, laptops — along with Treos, BlackBerries and other messaging devices — are migrating into the bedroom and onto the bed.” In other words, technology’s most important tools are inserting themselves like a digital enfant terrible into the relationships of life.
In Jan. 2007, Kelton Research reported that 68% of Americans spend more time with their computer than with their spouse. That is easy when the computer is everywhere, it’s in the refrigerator, in your BBQ in your phone.
The BBC reported in 2006 that robots could one day “demand workers rights.” Echoing that sentiment, David Levy, an artificial intelligence researcher at the University of Maastricht in the Netherlands, speculated one year later that people would be marrying robots by 2050 and that Massachusetts would be the first state to allow it.
Pew found in August 2010, that four out of five adolescents slept with their mobile phones “in or near their bed.”
Robot love, anybody?
Lainie Liberti is a recovering branding expert, who’s career once focused on creating campaigns for green – eco business, non-profits and conscious business. Dazzling clients with her high-energy designs for over 18 years, Lainie lent her artistic talents to businesses that matter. But that was then.
In 2008, after the economy took a turn, Lainie decided to be the change (instead of a victim) and began the process of “lifestyle redesign,” a joint decision between both her and her 11-year-old son, Miro. They sold or gave away all of of their possessions in 2009 and began a life of travel, service, and exploration. Lainie and her son Miro began their open-ended adventure backpacking through Central and South America. They are slow traveling around the globe allowing inspiration to be their compass. The pair is most interested in exploring different cultures, contributing by serving, and connecting with humanity as ‘global citizens.’
Today Lainie considers herself a digital nomad who is living a location independent life. She and her son write and podcast their experiences from the road at Raising Miro on the Road of Life.
