26 February 2007

Do we have a choice?

While it is undeniably a prospering market with enormous future potential , do we have a choice in ubiquitous systemic or is it inevitably an
economic or technological progression?

Yes I think we do have a choice but not a choice over whether to allow its integration into society, rather a choice on what it will do for our society, what is can strengthen. I personally see its integration into our daily life already and since it is not one specific thing that can be pin pointed it can be considered a natural progression of cultural discover. We have the choice to use Ubiquitous computing to take on a most promising role in our western and worldly cultures.

As proposed in everyware, caring for the soon to be largely elder population as well as the mentally and physically disabled. This is where I think we have a choice in using ubiquitous computing to our social advantage. If we use ubiquitous computing to care for our elders then we will in turn benefit the society as a whole as well as provide an means for continued economic growth. It would be great to have enough people to care for the aging population but this numbers burden can truly be solved by ubiquitous computing. The monitoring of the elder population and overall assistance will provide a safer and more vibrant lifestyle for everyone as they can gracefully age and continue an active connected life. Having dealt with online accessibility in accessibility web design class I have come to somewhat understand the confusion of navigating the web and the benefits of providing universal access to technology as a whole. How great would it be if ubiquitous computing could allow anyone to equally share the online experience through elimination of accessibility barriers through ubiquitous computing. With promises of a more accessible life, ubiquitous computing has a vastly positive social and economic potential if society as a whole chooses to address it.

1 comment:

Gabi D. said...

I believe we have a choice in the rise of ubiquitous technology, because it is us that is pushing it to spread. It seems so unescapable because we have made our future, in movies, book, and tv. How can we "escape" what we have already foretold? All we're doing now is figuring out how to make our futuristic ideas reality.

I mean, so much new technology is already out that many people just don't care for. For instance, the video phone...most are even surprised when they hear that it has been out forever, yet it never caught on. Why? I guess because the actual reality is, we don't want people to see us all the time when we are talking to them. Especially when we are busy and not paying complete attention, not dressed properly, or doing something that is more personal than you want the public to view.