Whats Next in the Information Age?
The long, complex evolution up to this stage is about to blossom into technologies with profound social implications. Humans were given capable and inquisitive minds, so they endlessly seek better ways of doing things. This drive, coupled with an innate curiosity and a strong drive to unlock the secrets of nature, has created a steady stream of technical innovations over the ages. These innovative efforts have focused on the means of survival, comfort, and accumulation of wealth–with the hierarchy of needs extending from physical basics of existence to higher-level wants associated with self-actualization. A principal thrust of innovation continues towards technological advances that enhance the productivity of labor and free humans of tasks done more economically by machines. An insatiable appetite for convenience, comfort, and entertainment products and services, as well as for means to overcome natural barriers like geography and travel time, creates a constant pull on technology.
