Greetings Steemian's
Today we're going to talk a bit about the internet. Since the mainstream induction of computing, and internet, I've always been fascinated with both. As I write this I conjure the associated nostalgia with the evolution that has taken place during my time in this world. It's really, an invigorating way to start my day. I reminisce of the old days, and often miss them, but I'm also thrilled with the exponential advancements in computing technology. Moore's Law, has now proven to be, a law in the literal sense, and no longer a theory. If you conceptualize this, you can guess where we're heading, likely with a bit of accuracy.
My fascination with the internet started out as a cool "toy" or "tool" at a young age. I would go to the library and download games like Tetris on a floppy disk, and bring it home to load in my laptop that was given to me by a friend. I don't remember the brand of the laptop, but I remember what it looked like. I even remember the wallpaper I used, (some topless woman striking a provocative pose) It also was loaded up with Windows 95. Just typing it ignites the nostalgia. I didn't have internet at home, so this became a daily ritual for me. Come home from school, neglect my homework, then bike to the library to wait in line for my hour session on the internet. Those were the days.
As I started getting older, I began to think about what the internet actually is. Sure it's a tool, for some a toy, and there seems to be no end to what you can find to do in it's vast, seemingly limitless ocean of fun, but it's much more than this in reality. It's an extension of our minds. A dimension of reality created and manipulated (by man?) to connect us all in a way that is truly astounding. One thing I really love about it, is it's ability to help me end useless bickering over who is right in regards to history facts, or what year a movie was produced, anything... I laugh when someone tries to argue a topic, and whip out my little handheld, triumphantly shoving the screen in their face when I am right, or hanging my head in defeated agony when I am wrong. The internet has successfully become a constant in our lives now, and really an enhancement in our own evolution in terms of information capacity. We should become more efficient over time in our mental storage capacity. We will no longer have a need to store mass information in our brains, and rely on it's provably inefficient memory. Instead, it's available with a single command, allowing us to utilize our human capacity for other, perhaps, more efficient uses.
As we become more reliant on the internet, I can't help but to wonder what this will mean in an economic sense. As it stands now, with technology continuing to advance, we as a species are also growing in numbers, becoming larger in population, while also increasing our reliance on the technology. Now this may not seem like it's a problem, but if you consider what it entails for the job market, it may invoke a thought that suggests, we could be in a bit of trouble. Now I don't want to get all doom and gloom here, but there are already human labor fields that are being taken over by AI. Simple non rogue self aware AI of course, (ATM) but AI nonetheless, which in some aspects, is not the greatest thing, for a multitude of reasons, but lets stay on course with the economics involved. If you are someone who has been put out of work because of AI replacement in your field, and it's all you know to support your family, this is an issue. It will continue to be a issue that will likely become worse over time. We are progressing with this, not regressing.
This in my mind, tells me, if you are reading this, you have the upper hand. Data is becoming overwhelmingly important in the world today, for a plethora of reasons. In a world where we become ultra dependent on tech, and less dependent on labor, what you feed to the data may become your livelihood. Sound far fetched? Have you seen Black Mirror? I am reminded of an episode where everyone's status in life was determined by their upvote/like status on the network. It was everything in this particular episode, and it got my thinker ticking.
If you cannot find labor because of tech, then what? And by labor I am not just talking factory jobs, and trucker jobs, I am talking ALL jobs. Secretary jobs can easily be replaced by a simple AI with sets of simple variables, costumer service jobs can easily be replaced with AI, Doctors can be replaced by AI, the list goes on...
How are you going to maintain value in the world if all of this comes to fruition in the next 20-50 years. If you are 20 years old today, this could very well effect you in your lifetime. It will likely effect your children. So what are you going to do? What should you equip your children with for a skillset? How should you teach and guide them? What you were taught in school will likely be irrelevant. I think teaching will take on a more individualized structure that tailors learning to the person's interests, and what they are proficient at, rather than the curriculum's that we grew up on.
You may be wondering why I stated you have the upper hand. Well for one, you are acquiring a currency that is new, and in all respects, still in it's infancy. I am not talking specifically about Steem. I am speaking in terms of crypto currency in general. You probably have your own opinions of where crypto is heading, and why. So I will not get too deep into it, but my opinion is simply this: Crypto currency is going to be a major game changer in the world. I'm a proponent of this theory, and for many, many reasons. Another reason I think you have the upper hand, is because you have a sharp mind, an analytical mind most likely, and the ability to think outside of the box. If you didn't, why would you be on Steemit, or perhaps better put, why would you even be reading this article?
If a major global economic crisis emerges, and fiat currency takes a turn for the worse, your crypto pennies are going to gain some massive value. How much? Who knows, but it will likely be enough to feed yourself, and your family, and that is what is most important of all, ensuring your basic needs are met. Of course this is arguable by some, but if we get to this point, it will be a matter of survival, and not a matter of fashion statements or societal rankings.
And those of us who make it through such a crisis, will be the one's who take part in this major shift in our way of existence on the planet.
How will we make money in a jobless world?
Well, my theory is, our economic worth, and value to society will be reliant on what we contribute to the network. This, is somewhat similar to the Black Mirror episode that I watched. I honestly can see us living in such a world, because without jobs, how else are we going to compete for survival? Upvotes and downvotes may become the most valued part of your existence, and I know that may sound sad or ridiculous to you, but really think about it.. I could be way off in my logic, and I don't mind if you tell me I am a nut that sponges too much sci fi. I really don't, because no one ever really believed a Terminator like scenario could be really, actually be possible, or at least, not many, but if you look at it now, and think about how we are weaponizing our militia with AI drones that are capable of destruction, and hackable..Well the notion isn't really so crazy anymore is it? Considering a self aware AI comes into play, also a scenario that seems rather likely at this point, it is merely a question of when..
I find this all very fascinating, scary, and interesting. I am happy to observe and share my thoughts, and I am confident that the early bird catches the worm. We are the early birds, and we are the first in line. Fudders need not apply. Take the FUD elsewhere, because I refuse to FUD. A little dip in the market now means nothing.
A penny for your thoughts now, may be worth a whole lot later on in life. Happy Steeming my friends. Have a great day!
