From all indications, there is going to be a technological revolution in the nearest future. This revolution will influence every aspect of life, from the way governments are run to how people go about their jobs.
The upcoming technological revolution otherwise referred to as the fourth industrial revolution. Technology is already a major part of life as we know it today. When the fourth industrial revolution begins, the invasion of technology into everyday processes will be unprecedented, and if proper planning towards this revolution is not made, it may be likened to a Zombie Apocalypse.
As much as predictions of the fourth industrial revolution have been made, no one has been able to tell when this revolution will occur, one more reason why society should be prepared for the revolution.
The fourth industrial revolution will be unlike the previous three revolutions. The first industrial revolution brought about the mechanization of production processes. The use of steam and water power brought about the mechanization of production processes in the first industrial revolution.
The second industrial revolution went further in mechanizing production processes by the use of electric power. As production processes were greatly improved by the use of electricity, mass production became achievable. Production processes were further enhanced by the three industrial revolutions with the application of information technology and electronics. The fourth industrial revolution will see technology take over processes that were assumed to be controlled by only humans on an unprecedented scale.
Since it has been established that the fourth industrial revolution will be largely spontaneous, it is important to make the necessary adjustments to ensure that the accompanying changes are not uncontrollable. We now consider the ways the fourth industrial revolution would affect different aspects of life.
How the fourth industrial revolution will affect governance
The fourth industrial revolution will see the application of high-tech tools by governments and the populace. The populace will be empowered with methods and tools to engage the government more actively, and governments will be tasked with adjusting their approach to accommodate the enhanced interaction with the populace they will encounter. If one thing is sure about the fourth industrial revolution, it is the fact that everyone will have access to more knowledge which means that governments will be tasked with adjusting to changes in policymaking and other aspects of governance.
With the high-tech tools that will be available in the fourth industrial revolution, governments may be empowered with ways of exerting a higher level of control on the populace. The way wars are fought will also change, and weapons may more readily fall into the hands of small factions looking to contest with the government.
The improved technology which will be available in the 21st century will change the state of governance with both advantages and disadvantages.
How the fourth industrial revolution will affect businesses
The fourth industrial revolution will see automation changes like have never been experienced, and the business sphere is bound to experience a lot of changes. The automation will mean changes in the quality of goods and services offered as well as changes in customer expectations. Currently, there are platforms that enhance the way services and products are delivered to customers. With the fourth industrial revolution and the enhanced tools within reach of customers, they will demand a better quality of products and services. Businesses will have access to the tools and technology needed to attend to supply on a large scale effectively.
How the fourth industrial revolution will affect people
People will be better interconnected with the fourth industrial revolution. Because tools and gadgets will become more effective, humans will depend on them more in every aspect of their lives, from planning a meal to building their careers and maintaining relationships. It has been feared that it may mean reduced quality of traditional human interaction.
The fourth industrial revolution will be associated with the benefits and challenges that humans will have to counter. The benefits and challenges will stem concurrently from the availability of improved technology. The fourth industrial revolution is bound to happen any time soon, and humans can only prepare to accept the benefits and challenges. The fourth industrial revolution promises an automated version of life as we know it.