The 2020s – a brief glimpse into an exciting future

By Dick Pelletier

      

    Forward thinkers believe we will experience more discoveries in the next 20 years than we did during the last 200. In The Singularity is Near, author Ray Kurzweil explains how the future will change the way we live, work, and perceive our world. The following describes some advances we can expect in the 2020s:

    Computers and TVs will merge. The computer, keyboard, and mouse are gone. Information from the net, along with 3D-TV programs, movies, and holograms are all accessed by a system that reads our voice and gestures, and then displays images on walls, cell phones, or directly onto our eyes without using a screen.

    Crime, Terrorism, and Weapons. Pessimistic views of the 2020s portray a world dominated by terrorism and violence. But this picture has been proven wrong. Most nations now employ non-lethal weapons that temporarily disrupt enemies' minds without killing them. This technology is also used on criminals, which has reduced crime around the world.

    Education Moves to the Net. 2020s children receive most of their education from the Internet. This has become as normal for them as the PC was to their parents, or the telephone to their grandparents. Intelligent info-bots in holographic form, recognize learning difficulties and alter curriculum as needed for each student. 'Bots also diagnose the potential for violence and provide corrective therapies, turning troubled students into model citizens.

    Genetic Engineering Replaces Facelifts. Erasing wrinkles and strengthening bones and muscles through gene splicing has enabled older people to recapture their health and beauty.

    The Internet Promotes Affluence. After overcoming resistance to the Internet's influence on individual freedoms, most 3rd world countries now recognize its benefits. By 2025, 70% of the world’s people are building a better life for themselves through opportunities discovered on the net.

    Nano-Biotech Rejuvenates Bodies. Doctors replace damaged organs with new ones and direct stem cells to rebuild aging tissues, bones, and skin. Medical nanobots cruise through veins and neurons keeping everyone young, smart, and healthy.

    Is Religion Fading? Ethicists wonder, do we have the right to genetically change ourselves and future generations? Is it appropriate to merge with technology? Growing secularism is challenging many of these concerns, causing some traditional religions to lose their members.

    Robots Become Invaluable. Priced from $10,000-to-$30,000, these machines perform many household tasks and can even be 'farmed out' to earn extra money. Also valued for their personality, wisdom and wit, most families love these servant ‘bots’ and would never want to be without them.

    Space, the Final Frontier. Completion of the space elevator and establishing a self-sustaining colony on the moon has renewed space enthusiasm. Excitement builds for the 2030 Mars landing.

    Shifting World Power. For 75 years, the US has led the world in scientific discovery and new technology breakthroughs, and although they still maintain this predominance in the 2020s, futurists predict that China may eventually become the world leader in science.

    The 2020s promise to radically change our lives; even our view of what constitutes life will be challenged as technology brings humanity to the edge of immortality. Could this amazing "magical future" be realized in such a short time? Positive futurists are confident that it can.

This article appeared in various print publications and on-line blogs. Comments always welcome.