We have see massive shifts over the last 100+ years. In the 20th century, we could say the most important technological develops were the automobile, Internet, and data processing. Each had a major impact upon society along with the power structure of the world.
We are edging towards being a quarter of the way through the 21st century. At this moment, technology is really starting to gear up. A lot of progress is being made in short periods of time.
So what are the 3 most important technologies for the 21st century?
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1. Artificial Intelligence
This something that is on the minds of everyone.
The advancement of computing over the last 40 years completely changed the world. Today, we walk around with "computers in our pockets", enabling 4 billion people to access the global knowledge base.
In spite of this, computers, for the most part were not predictive. They were basically input/output devices. We are seeing a change with AI.
Large Language Models (LLMs) are showing us how much of an impact this can make. We are going to see computers at the core of decision making to a much greater degree.
This has enormous implications. It also is something that will affect every industry in some way. One result we are likely to see is an increased in economic productivity.
2. Humanoid Robotics
Robots have been around a long time. That said, humanoid robots take things to an entirely different level.
One of the major benefits is humanoid bots can fit into the world easier. We already designed things for humans. It is a process that should result in more seamless integration.
This is also tied to the major increase in productivity. It is difficult to grasp the concept of creating 500M or 1B "workers" in a year.
When this is coupled with AI, things get very intriguing. We presume that we are operating in the most efficient manner. In agriculture, for example, we use massive machines to plant. Is that the most efficient? Perhaps having thousands of humanoid robots doing individual plants could be a better option. This is something we simply cannot know.
The probably path is commercial and industrial purposes to start yet, there will come a point where these are in our homes.
3. Alternate Energy
A major challenge is powering all of this.
We are looking at energy being the food for the future since the robots will outnumber humans. These all have to be fed and, depending upon the growth rates, it could be a hefty amount.
Many are optimistic about nuclear fusion. While solar and wind get a lot of attention, the idea of near unlimited energy has inspired many over the last 100 years.
There are many potential benefits on Earth as well as in space. Could this be the propulsion system that moves humans into being interplanetary?
It also could have an impact on droughts, temperature, and waste problems. Clean water could be abundant due to inexpensive de-salinization.
What About Blockchain And Cryptocurrency?
One might wonder about blockchain and cryptocurrency. Where does this enter into the picture?
These are two powerful technologies that will have major impact, at least in the medium term. Over the next 75 years, it is hard to guess the lasting impact.
Do we head to a post-monetary society? If so, what does that mean for cryptocurrency? Is that a part of what drives it?
Blockchain is going to be important since I think a lot of these technologies are best served being integrated with an open ledger. For now, a lot of the focus is on centralized entities.
Over the next couple decades, my sense is we are in for a shift. Decentralized finance (DeFi) solves some major problems within our existing financial system. We cannot overstate the importance of transparency.
Funding is going to become a massive issue. When we look at the cost to developing all of this, we can see how it is a massive price tag.
Where is the money going to come from? To me, I see the value generated within the cryptocurrency community being a great driver of the funding arm of technological progress.
We are witnessing the foundation for massive financial innovation. This is something that can be utilized to generate even greater economic output (based upon whatever metrics we will be using in the future), a situation that results in larger investment.
Consider the idea of cryptocurrency, in its different forms, with a $40T-$50T market cap. Now expand that to $200 trillion. How much could be utilized to further develop technologies that push society forward?
The final point is the fact that ownership is going to be crucial. With technologies so powerful, who owns then and reaps the financial benefits? This is something that is clear if we progress under the same system.
We are heading towards a future were a few companies have most of the wealth. Those with stake in those entities will be the beneficiaries.
Web 3.0 is a possible solution. This completely changes the ownership structure in a way that differs from corporations.
It is a massive shift that could benefit a great deal more people due to inclusion.
We can see Humanoid Robots in PUBG Mobile... & Yes! 21st Century is very very Important 😃 possibly It may be the last Century of the Earth 🌎.
Very interesting choices, and I agree on those first two wholeheartedly! AI will change everything from how wars are fought to the ways companies are logistically run. Robotics will continue to replace jobs and people will have to adapt to the new world. Robots will become part of our everyday lives.
Alternate energy is interesting because hydrogen fusion will likely become king of all energy sources once we master the technology. Clean as can be and will change the world. Maybe even power our way out into the galaxy? Who knows.
But those of in web 3 early will reap the most benefits as the world changes. Crypto is the future of money as much as the governments would like to destroy or control them!
The energy question will be a combination of technologies I believe. However, fusion was always put forth as the Golden Goose.
We are going to need near unlimited energy over the next half century with some of what is designed as being a part of the future.
Even AI spread everywhere is going to require a ton of compute which equals energy.
This is Great, we have been able to know the popular Ai that we have and also their functions and most importantly we also saw where the Blockchain and Cryptocurrency comes into the picture.
Thank you @taskmaster4450 for always giving us quality articles that reaches our understanding.
Yeehaw! What an exciting ride through the advancements of the 21st century! Keep embracing the waves of technological progress with optimism and determination, pardner.
This is interesting. AI and robotics being high up already, even though they have just recently gotten some big strides, really show the importance of these two. They open up a lot of opportunities and possibilities.
AI is nearing the elbow of the exponential curve. I think robots are a bit further behind.
We need to watch how progress is with the actuators to see how quickly that will move.
Well for me I will still be human but you know technology comes with the good and bad. So let's keep our eyes open
Can you elaborate more on what you meant by "post-monetary society" please? Did I get it right that money will no longer be needed?
If we have an abundance of production at near zero cost, what do you need money for.
Notice what happened with music. Do you really need money these days to listen to music? How about information? You can get answers to most anything with a simple prompt for free.
These are two areas where there is abundance. What happens if this spreads throughout the entire economy over the next 50 years?
So with such an abundance of goods and services, does it follow that economic exchange is no longer necessary?