So much has changed in the last decade or two that we are afraid of how much development and advancement awaits us in the next decade! The future can be rather scary when you look at how much we humans have done in recent times. Practically anything is possible. There’s a good chance of many things that we aren’t even prepared adequately for actually happening. Our future, at this point, resembles something we might see in a horror movie from the 80s or 90s. Here are some of the craziest yet very possible challenges we may face in our very near future that sound like they popped out of a horror movie!
Killer Robots
As we speak (or as you read, instead), there are remotely piloted devices called drones that are being equipped and used in warfare. Militaries around the world are trying to avoid having a human pilot. The technological advancements only make it possible.
The use of robots is more efficient in warfare as they don’t need food and sleep and do not experience fear as humans do. This makes robotics an attractive feature in war. However, can you imagine the terror that would ensue if robots were used in warfare? At first thought, you may think it is excellent as no humans are harmed. But the fact is that once one robot army wins, it will go on to fight humans, and the chances are there will be genocide. Robots have no mercy, no discretion and no consciousness – it’s a scary future if it comes to it, which it likely will.
Hacked Smart Homes
With the wonderful convenience and great advance technology of computers, we also have an influx of malware, viruses, and ransomware that is devised by crooks who want to steal information or simply cause malicious damage to your system. Considering that with every advancement in technology comes advancement in hack ware, we need to realize that our shift to ‘smarter’ homes that rely more on technology also means that we are more susceptible to our homes being hacked into by malware artists and hackers. Malware has the potential to render your smart item useless is a matter of moments. Can you really afford the risk?
Space Debris Could Obliterate Satellites
While on the topic of technology, do you realize how much present-day people rely on satellites for daily functions? You may not think you are using satellites. But you are when you watch television or use your GPS. These satellites that are orbiting the earth are immensely useful and have made many convenient services available.
But have you ever wondered who is cleaning up space when satellite after satellite is released? The truth is, orbital debris is accumulating because the clean up of space debris is very slow. This means that a scary effect called the Kessler Syndrome is possible in our near future. This is where debris in orbit around the earth could collide with satellites and cause chain reactions. That would later spiral out of our control, causing massive damage and death. If that isn’t scary, we don’t know what is!
Automation Will Affect Employment
Many parts of the world are struggling with low employment rates. What does not help is that technology is advancing. It has gone to the point where every year fewer humans are required to perform work in manufacturing industries and other sectors. Robotics and automated machines can perform a lot of tasks that were previously done by humans. It means that fewer people are employed and this isn’t good news for capitalist societies. There is no clear solution to this dilemma, either.
Surveillance Will Be Creepier
If you thought nanny cams were creepy, just wait until you see the surveillance of the future! Surveillance has now become a normal part of our daily lives, in supermarkets, on the streets and even in our homes. In the near future, things are going to be a little different.
Artificial intelligence is a gamechanger, and surveillance will not only be about tracking your every move but also collation without the need for human oversight. This equates to less privacy, and less about preventing surveillance and more about consent on how your data is used. In time to come, we may be under 24-hour surveillance, and only be asked how our data will be processed!
Many possibilities actually loom on the horizon and there are some things that have a high possibility of happening. The next decade of humanity may be one where we see immense change and face things we never really prepared for. Let’s cross our fingers and hope for a great decade to come!