Michael Lorrey wrote:
>
> Samantha Atkins wrote:
> >
> > t will this be like when the pace of change increases by orders of
> > magnitude very quickly? It is not simply a matter of handing out the
> > tech toys. It is a matter of being adaptable to fast changes. We have
> > not been evolved with a high capacity in this regard. Yet some humans
> > seem more able to adapt than others. So the question remains of how we
> > can extend this adaptability to more of the population.
>
> I don't think that much will be needed. Changes will be in technological
> capabilities. One the user end, designers will still keep to the KISS
> principle, such that an idiot will still be able to operate a Palm 30.0.
> Each new version will have leaps and bounds greater features than the
> last (though this will be mitigated by ever more complex code detuning
> greater performance..
This viewpoint would only be applicable if the technology only produced
new consumer gadgets and did nothing to change the general background of
business, economics, culture, relationships and so on. But technology,
especially the major ones we contemplate never have and never will only
effect consumer gadgets. The pace of change in human lives is
accelerating rapidly. We are already seeing quite a few opt out of
coping. I believe this can only increase unless we find some means of
dealing with rapid change across almost all of our institutions.
- samantha
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b30 : Mon May 28 2001 - 09:56:40 MDT