Thirty some odd years ago, when personal computers began to sprouting up in offices and homes, doomsayers warned that computers would start replacing human beings. Companies more interested in money than people thought, “Great, bring it on”, and many working stiffs began to get nervous.
Don’t get me wrong yet there are some things which are necessary and without a computer has come to be a need more than a want in many areas aside of merely enjoyment, if I didn’t have one, I am not sure I would be able to tend to several areas in which I need to get done.
As computers evolved through the 1980’s and 90’s I think we found we were using roughly the same amount of people because computers, while excellent tools, hadn’t yet replaced humans, at least in most occupations. However, the digital world is constantly evolving and computers are constantly getting smarter and faster. In another thirty years, give, or take, they say we may actually have artificial intelligence like Data in Star Trek. Slowly but surely, the replacement of an employee or two is taking place in certain types of businesses. The media is a good example. In the 1980’s a radio station needed announcers to broadcast “live” 24/7. Today we have the ability, as necessary, to record (we call it voice tracking) announcer breaks into the on-air computers that are equipped with sophisticated software that knows how to schedule music, commercials, and announcer breaks seamlessly.
Voice tracking is often used in the middle of the night. Newspapers are going more digital as well. Post Media announced a slew of job cuts last week across the country and the editor-in-chief and publisher, was quoted as saying all roles, from managers on down, will be redefined with a digital focus.
It seems those old predictions are starting to come true, at least in occupations that use technology to gather and spread information.
And the media may just be the tip of the iceberg.
http://www.computersciencelab.com/ComputerHistory/HistoryPt4.htm
ReplyDeleteI think it is wise to keep up with the times as best as you can. So keeping up with all the new gadgetry helps to keep one up to date.
ReplyDeleteThat's why I am glad I have the internet.
:)
Me as well Erika yet how far we have come.
ReplyDeleteFor the most part computers haven't taken over everything but I am sure there have been job losses. But, at the cost of progress.
ReplyDeleteSo all in all it is for the better good I think.
I am not anti computing yet look how far we have come and perhaps progress takes a new place.
ReplyDeleteya i know newspaper writers that have had cuts. our daily paper here is now only printed on thursday, fri, sat, sun.......there's still so much to be said for real human contact.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I remember when the computer came into existence and everyone was in awe of it....and then they became available to the public...and of course we all got one...or two. I have 2, a pc and a laptop....I just hope they dont control our minds like in the movies...now that is one scary thought...lol
ReplyDeleteTechnology has become like a huge snowball everyday more advancements. Knowledge is increasing by the minute and it will only get better and more advanced
ReplyDeleteI'm totally amazed by it and feel extremely fortunate to be living during this time Jack.
sure computers have changed the work place. However, computers "make work" that offsets the lost of "back in the day" jobs
ReplyDeleteblogged this early today...
looking at the bottom of the profile... back in the day, we had to process this stuff with a scale ruler and a calculator. hat tips the software folks
the problem with computers in the old days was a lack of data. now the problem is that there is too much data
also keep in mind that computers have created new fields and jobs
Ah, yes - but now we need programmers, software testers and end users that did not exist before. My father made a list years ago of jobs he held that no longer exist - beginning with being an iceman delivering for iceboxes.
ReplyDeletethat would be a pity..to lose the human touch..
ReplyDeleteWe are on the threshold of a new world, I think that man will never be replaced by machines, the development of new digital technologies seeks brains, yet they are highly skilled jobs that require a high quality training. The jobs that industrialization has brought us is doomed to extinction, soon robots will be increasingly in the large factories.
ReplyDeleteWho will be alive, for sure, will see :)
I feel the very same Cinn. There is no replacement to human contact yet this to me is an interlude. Mind you it does fascinate me.
ReplyDeleteAs mentioned it's progress in a manner which has changed the world - literally.
Marty when I got on with computing I literally drove IBM and Packard Bell crazy! I was always trying to do new things. I have one laptop here where I am and another back in Saskatoon, Within needs and wants I have to make a decision as I do need a new laptop. Remember the sound of "Welcome to AOL, You've Got Mail". :)
ReplyDeleteI don't think that "they" can control our minds - yet it's apart of our culture and the information that we get is that to be decifered.
Mike you and I are alike in that way as I truly love to look into the information. I have this google plus but within the Java applets it's slows this old laptop down. It's a very different time Mike. There are pros and cons but I just recieved an email from a friend which amazes me on how and what they can do.
ReplyDeleteIt's extremely interesting and I believe it's all within balance - for myself. That is. Yet as they say it's bringing the world closer - in a sense yes.
I would think that one can truly make do something with this technology yet it's all within a plan or ones own choices.
Most interesting as they have I would ponder if there are more jobs created within the last two years - the comparable that is.
ReplyDeleteTrue Grammy. Yet the iceman certainly had more physical activity - I think you know what I mean.
ReplyDeleteThere are down sides to sitting behind a computer all day for the eyes, bones, etc.
With that said Carol I am sure you know how much I love photography and I have met so many people and learned
ReplyDeleteso much within the travels and that is and has been a grand pleasure. Nothing can replace that humanistic side and
that is where I believe within the balance.
Elaine I don't see it as a doom, but I thought of this not to negate the purpose of the personal PC. There has always been innovation and it's the thrust of mankind. I don't know where this is all going within technology and yesterday it was a thought with I thought I would place on.
ReplyDeleteI don't think of it as a terrible thing yet there are times I do question technology. I don't think we are doomed I think we are within a merge of many things.
while we may see this in time and it would be a great thing as well imagine all the work you normally had to slave away to waste your life doing now done for you by a machine, could it be any less rewarding just knowing your daily life is all your own to do with us you please,
ReplyDeletespend time with family or friends, develope that love affair between you and the now new partner, go shopping, to the movies or just lazin around the beach, not to memention the far less stressed state of mind in which people would be in.
this could also led to an end of crime as we know it considering you would not have a need for money so the value of stealing would be worthless.
I think life as we know it could be something far more beautiful if only these machines were around right now.