This assignment started out by reading and watching a handful of articles and videos relating to predictions about wireless communication and the internet. These predictions spanned from 1926 until the modern day. Following this, we had to make a discussion board post in which we identified 5 previous predictions that have come true, and to make 3 predictions myself about the future of the internet.
I am not going to explain every prediction article, because the majority of the big predictions that were mentioned are listed in my discussion board post recap, which is located below. However, I will briefly touch on the videos and articles that did not include predictions.
There is a video of Katie Couric resisting the internet back in 1995. She claimed that she already had enough ways to get information, and that the internet could be annoying because it is not always great to have too much information on your plate. However, we learned that ironically, she ended up being global news anchor of Yahoo News, which is a completely Internet-based news outlet.
An article by Douglas Adams was written when the internet was new. He explains a concept we have talked about before, that new technologies are feared, especially by people who are over 30 years old when it was invented. He reinforces that since the internet is new, no one really understands it yet, but that we have to try to, and that it could bring people together.
Finally, there was a video of Steve Jobs introducing the first iPhone. People gave thunderous applauses as Jobs introduced the iPhone as a combination of an iPod with touch screen controls, a revolutionary mobile phone, and a breakthrough internet communicator.
The first prediction I am mentioning about technology that came true is from Nikola Tesla in 1926, in which he said that “We shall be able to communicate with one another instantly, irrespective of distance”. This did come true, as now we can message and call people around the globe.
Second, Nikola Tesla in 1926 also predicted that referring to phones, “A man will be able to carry one in his vest pocket”. This came true, as mobile phones have developed and now nearly everyone has one and carries it around in their pockets everyday.
Third, in 1976, Arthur C. Clarke predicted that “we’re going to get devices which will enable us to send much more information to our friends. They’re going to see us, and we’re going to see them. We’ll be able to extend, exchange pictorial information, graphical information, data, books”. This did come true, as we can see others and they can see us through apps such as FaceTime and Skype, and we can share graphs and books and pictures through messaging apps.
Fourth, in 1976, Arthur C. Clarke also predicted that we will be able to “tell the machine, I’m interested in such and such items, sports, politics, or so forth. And the machine will hunt the main central library and bring all of this to you, selectively”. This did come true, as we can search for any specific information on sites such as Google, and we can even ask “Siri” certain questions, and she will search online for what you asked for.
Fifth, in 1993, AT&T predicted that we could receive “driving directions from a computer in the car’s dashboard” and take a meeting from a beach while your coworkers were stuck in the office. This came true, as through our mobile phones and car dashboards, there are GPS systems that can give us every direction we need to get to a certain destination. Also, with video chatting apps that I mentioned before, you can participate in a meeting from other locations if you cannot make it to the office.
As for my own predictions about the future of the internet, first I think that phones will be able to connect to more and more things around the house. For example, the internet will find a way to connect to things such as ovens, fans, blenders, and washing machines, so you can control these appliances without directly making contact with them.
Second, I predict that the internet will continue to get faster and more efficient. There will be less buffering, you will be able to search for information more quickly, and things like this, because the internet is continuing to adapt and grow and improve.
Thirdly, I predict that internet use will grow the most in developing nations. The internet is already so prominent in first-world nations, and with the passing of time, I think it will become more utilized by countries that are not so wealthy.
There are definitely so many more things that can change in the future of the internet, but these are just 3 of my predictions. It would be cool if they came true!
Reflecting on this assignment, the first thing I think is that it is cool how so many technological feats regarding the internet were accurately predicted! I was surprised that these correct predictions went all the way back to 1926 with Nikola Tesla, but it was exciting to read about. This goes to support the thought that if you can dream it, you can do it. People really want certain accomplishments to be reached, and they worked hard enough to make these things happen.
Reading the articles regarding the internet being worried about were not surprising. Throughout the course, it has been often emphasized that people often fear or scoff at new technology, and claim it will just be a fad or will have negative consequences on society. So, the internet is no exception, and seeing what people said about it back when it was new was not surprising, but kind of funny thinking about it knowing what we know now.
The part where we had to make our own predictions was interesting, and was actually much more difficult than I thought it would be. The internet has already accomplished so many feats, so it was hard to think of things that it has not accomplished yet! However, even though it was hard, it allowed me to think critically and creatively, so it was a valuable step to include in the assignment!
Nicky's Blog 