Imagining the Internet
I've not read all of the latest Elon University/Pew Internet Project report, but it's interesting so far. Some predictions from "technology experts and social analysts:"
* 77% said the mobile computing device (the smartphone) with more significant computing power will be 2020's primary global Internet-connection platform. OK, I buy that.
* 56% said while Web 2.0 is bringing some people closer, social tolerance will not be heightened by our new connections. No kidding.
* They were evenly split over the notion that the greater transparency of people and institutions afforded by the Internet will heighten individual integrity and forgiveness. But we can hope, can't we?
* 56% agreed that in 2020 "few lines (will) divide professional from personal time, and that's OK."
Wait a minute. You can separate professional and personal time?
Comments (1)
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Two worst predictions so far:
In 1996 we were actually told that there was the need for us to start a "Cyber cafe" instead (or in addition to) running the Depot (and, then, the tiny corner called NR Online)
The other is from folks at the Aiken SC paper in my last company. This one is more recent and harder to debunk, but I think it is ridiculous.
The publisher and top editor (who strangely actually has done some really great web stuff) are convinced that "in the future" newspapers will sell the mobile devices that customers will read their product from. Really, they claim this.
So far, the Kindle is completely stupid (another device -- in addition to my phone -- to carry that is black and white and offers no interactivity or even PHOTOS!) so I have no idea how yet ANOTHER device is going to fit into anyone's world.. wow.
Too bad.
Posted on December 17, 2008 5:30 PM