The intersection of Digital Responsibility, Assistive Technology, and Unplugging.
Technology has revolutionized our world. Smartphones. Laptops. Internet connection. Access to an audience reach in the thousands, million or billions. All are powerful capabilities, once only wielded by large corporations, we now hold in our hands. But with great power, comes great responsibility.
Have you ever considered the ways you are responsible for your digital mark on the world? Or how technology itself can be responsible for helping us? Welcome to the digital world.
Overview Of Technology Today
To give an overview of technology today is parallel to explaining an average person’s life in the 21st century.
We’ve grown an extra digital appendage that rules our lives. A smartphone.
It tells us when to sleep. When to wake up. Connects us to our entire social network. Entertains. Informs. There’s not many major decisions you make separate from the digital touch.
Future ME And Technology
Entwined with the IoT, each one of us carries the responsibilities that come with the immense freedom and unlimited information of our technological marvels.
As one blogger said, “The accessibility of technology that we have should be dealt with discipline, responsibility, and accountability for everyone’s welfare and safety.”
The pervasiveness of an Always-On Audience underlies our entire existence.
Wherever we go we are watched by security cameras, tracked by our phone’s GPS, and subject to anyone taking a video or picture of us from their very own smartphone camera.
Do anything and the world hears it.
We are responsible for our actions and responsible for not carelessly mishandling the online reputation of others.
Assistive Technology
Be responsible for our digital actions and, in turn, technology can also better assist us. Assistive technology specifically helps people that deviate from the norm. An essential digital strategy may also help with concerns about your digital exposure.
In a world specifically created for only one type of “properly” functioning person and the future has shown us many breakthrough technologies, assistive technology can give people new life.
Andrew on VentureECS recounts just how much assistive technology has helped him:
“Every day, I rely on assistive technology. I use an overhead barrier-free lift system to get out of bed in the morning. I then use my customized wheelchair to successfully complete my morning routines before leaving for work. To get to work, I ride in a customized van. The van lifts me off the ground and into the van with staff assistance. When people lift you, it can be really scary and sometimes I was injured. I have not gotten injured since I started using mechanical lifts and I feel much more comfortable.”
When creating and implementing technology for the betterment of humankind, technology enhances and helps us live our lives to the fullest even when our bodies begin to fail us.
Unplug For 24 Hours From Technology
For people like Andrew, technology enables his life. For others, technology can be a source of major stress. Smartphones tether us to our jobs. Many are willing to simply unplug or become minimalistic to relieve some of the symptoms.
Stress, usually caused from overworking, can lead to “heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, and cancer. And it's estimated to kill more than 120,000 American workers each year,” according to BusinessInsider.
It doesn’t stop at just your physical health. Even CEO’s become counterproductive when subjected to too much stress and their decision-making skills take a nose dive.
No matter how busy or needed you may be, unplugged breaks are far more effective in the long run.
Many cultures all over the world dedicate one day of the week to rejuvenate, rest, and reflect. It’s an ancient tradition that still applies to today's world.
Word Up:
Let’s all strive to become better humans as we go into the future, hand-in-hand with technology.
Everything, technology included, has its benefits and drawbacks.
By simply being responsible with how we use it, technology’s benefits towards a better quality of life are unlimited.
sources: technologyreview digitalresponsibility becomingminimalist futuretimeline aginginplace.org
This article is part of our “Future Content" series where we write an article for each letter of the phrase. “Future Content” explores what the future may hold for your online content.
Click below to read more articles in the “Future Content” series:
(F)riends Online... Fake Or Not?
(U) 3 Ways (U)nlimited Content Creates A Cooler Online Future
(T) Stuff To Know About (T)echnology In Today’s World
(U) 9 Precious Tips To Help You Get Better (U)sing Online Content
(R) Who’s (R)esearching You Online?
(E) Content Equity – The Key To Monetize Your Brand. Here’s Why!
(C) What Is (C)ontent Curation And Why Does Everyone Love It?
(O) What You Need To Know About (O)riginal Content
(N) (N)OTHING Is Free Online - The Invaluable Price We Pay
(T) Online (T)rolls – Who Are They And What Do They Want?
(E) This Is Why The Future Will Be All About User (E)xperiences
(N) (N)ever Underestimate The Influence Of Content Creators
(T) Must-Know (T)ech Lingo For The Future
