Does anybody think we have reached the point of diminished returns on technology?

Question

Take Windows Vista for example, does a new operating system really improve the quality of anybody's life? I think we have passed the point where technology makes things better, now we just have technology for technolgy's sake.

Answer 1

I would agree with you - I believe we have. The only thing we could use in this ever changing era is more convienance such as computers to travel with better than a lap top. I feel like if we can eventually find a happy medium between laptops and cell phones we will be fine. I think Japan 80% of so use their cells for transactions and web use - we only use like 4% - we have plenty of growth there.

Answer 2

Hi, Jeffrey H, my name is Hank. I believe as long as man continues to be, people will create new technology. I'm not talking about operating systems or software, either.

I'm a firm believer that if someone conceives the technology, someone will build it. As long as man has been around, even before recorded history, man has perceived ideas that there is more to our world than meets the eye.

The same is true for technology. From the invention of the wheel to the new type of spaceship just conceived and built by Burt Rhutan--all of them started with an idea. Mr. Rhutan saw (perceived) that he could build a craft better than what NASAs engineers could create, and went out and did it.

Just because we live in a technology-heavy society doesn't mean we are at the end of the road. We might be close to the proverbial "fork in the road," but there will be somebody go down the wrong fork when we get there. And by doing so, will see things differently from how the rest of the travelers see it.

I agree that it seems we are almost at the limit of what we can conceive with our present technology. But, there are always going to be people who tinker.

There will always be someone who makes that unconventional left turn, maybe going where they shouldn't be. But by making the turn will see the problem from a different perspective. As long as humans exist there will be new technology to replace the old.

Technology might not be as we can conceive, or even perceive, with our limited intelligence right now. But, Jeff, the dreamers, the thinkers and the tinkerers will not be denied, nor will "they go quietly into the night." That's just the nature of human beings.

You should read the poem "Evolutional Technology."

Hank Feral

Answer 3

Not at all. We have so far used most technology in the form of automation, user interface systems... However, there is a lot of untapped potential in the form of ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI). The concept in itself is somewhat vague at the moment but if it does take off we will be launched into a new era and would have extended the effectiveness/efficiency/productivity of technology. Imagine technology adapting to your needs and coming up with new ways to improve itself! The very idea is mind-boggling and although it may seem far off, im sure that computers did too 100 years ago. The major limitation with all technology is that it is limited to how we shape not in its capacity, but in the way it handles things. We program the 'ideal' system. But if AI was around the program itself could adapt. We would be sure that Windows Vista for example would be better than the Windows before that. This process would repeat itself (in theory) until we reached the perfect windows. However in practice it would have to keep on changing itself because we keep on changing as well.

Answer 4

We are definitely getting close to that point. When I see people walking around with those phone clips hanging on their ear whether they're talking or not, I feel we have gone too far. We are going to turn ourselves into some pseudo-robot if we're not careful. Brain chips are already being inserted in the heads of paralyzed people which moves the cursor where their eyes tell it to go. Soon, healthy people will want that in their brain, to free up their mouse hand. I would not agree that all technology is futile now, but consumer electronics has really gotten ridiculous.

Answer 5

A hard question to answer, and I am no scientist nor engineer. I am grateful for some medical technology which was not in use even 10 years ago. However, I don't want to be kept alive when there is no point in doing so. I do tend to think that ( in the US) we now take so much for granted due to advances in technology that we are spoiled. Many who consider themselves "poor" have air conditioning, computers, cable, and cell phones. Is all of this "stuff" life necessary? I doubt it.

Answer 6

advancing technology is the ONLY way to increase the population as it is now, we've dominated nature so hard, that IF we lost our cars, highways, boats, weapons, subways, computers... there would be a drop in the population.

That is we live in the niches we created, the carrying capacity is always being surpassed.

In the modern home there's not much difference-- but on an infrastructural level... multitudes. For one example look at agriculture.. the machines used are closing in on automation.

Answer 7

I think you will find the absurdity in your question if you reframe it as such:

"Have we gotten to the point where there is nothing left to invent? Is life as enjoyable and convenient as it is ever going to be?"

You may disagree with my reformulation, but consider this: technology is any man-made tool that achieves some purpose for humans. So long as humans are of a limited nature (which will be always) we can benefit from new technologies.

Answer 8

the proof that it makes things better is that people keep paying for it

now, yeah sure one or two updates might not be worth it but do you think the company will be around very long if it didnt improve things? nah, some other company would actually make an improvement and there would be a change

Answer 9

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Answer 10

Not even remotely. There are scientific discoveries awaiting us that will turn our unhappy little planet into a paradise.

Of this I am certain.

I am also sure that though now it looks quite otherwise, people will eventually learn that peace and brotherhood are preferable to war and mistrust.

There's just a bit more of this bumpy road ahead of us.