Over the past few decades, the rate of technological advancement has significantly transformed the world around, affecting the way we live our day to day lives. From the way we play music, to how we get groceries, access entertainment, and play games online, and even how we control our homes, everything has become much more advanced, connected and convenient.
One of the most significant advancements is the connection of our world, in which the phenomenon of the global village is well and truly underway. From working remotely from anywhere in the world, to communicating with friends and family via seamless video call technology or accessing consumer services from another country at the click of a button, we really do have it all.
Below, we will explore some of the top technological trends over the past few decades and take a deep dive into some of the things it has gifted us.
How has technology changed over the past few decades?
The digital revolution began during the late 1980’s, during which time society began to make the switch from analogue to digital. One of the most significant changes during this decade was that households across the globe began to own their own computer as the technology became more affordable and accessible.
Those who experienced the internet during this decade will remember the painstaking dial up internet connection that was lost every time another member of the household used the phone line, however it was a step in the right direction.
By the early 2000’s, it became the norm for children to undergo ICT lessons in school, computer literacy rates rose significantly, and most people now owned their own smartphones. By 2000, there were 740 million mobile phone subscribers. While these devices were limited in what they could do compared to today’s smartphone models, the advancement was significant in terms of communication power across the globe. Today, there are more than 8 billion mobile phone subscribers across the world.
What has technology gifted us?
Technology has had a huge impact on the way we live our everyday lives in which there is more benefits than most of us realise as it’s become such an intrinsic part of life. Below, we will take a closer look at some of these aspects that have transformed daily life across the globe.
The speed of communication
During the early 20th century, the most effective way to communicate with those far away was to either send a telegram or a letter. While telegrams got to the recipient quickly, they were charged by the word, making them costly to send. Letters made communication lengthy and not only would you have to wait around a week for the letter to be sent, but you also then have to wait for the recipient to write their reply and post it back to you.
There was also the option of a wired telephone, but for this you needed to be at home and could not walk around with the phone in your hand like we do today.
Today, communication is instant in which we have so many more options to communicate, from social media to video and audio calls on the go that we can take virtually anywhere, text message and emails. These forms of communication are instant and have made life so much more convenient.
Access to entertainment
Just a few decades ago, if you wanted to watch the latest movie you would need to head over to the local movie theatre and purchase tickets, or if you wanted to play a video game you would need to head over to the community arcade.
While these activities are still carried out, mainly as a form of nostalgia, today’s access to entertainment has changed significantly. To watch the latest movies today, all that’s needed is a subscription to a streaming service like Hulu, Netflix or Amazon Prime.
In addition, for those who want to play a traditional game of bingo or a casino game like poker, there’s no need to head on down to the local bingo hall or casino. Players can now access their favourite traditional games online at the touch of a button. Technology has also enabled bingo and casino operators to adapt their traditional games to offer something different for their players. For example, players can now play slingo games online, slingo is a popular game combining a game of bingo and slots, technology has also allowed some bingo providers to offer the game in a VR version.
Not only is access to entertainment easier, but the entertainment experience has also significantly transformed, in which todays’ music, games and movies are so much more immersive and interactive. We have the option of using surround sound technology or even popping on a Virtual Reality headset to be completely immersed in the world of the entertainment.
Technology has allowed features such as Virtual Reality to be created and used in the gaming market.
Enhanced safety
Technology has had a significant effect on our safety too. In terms of our physical health, not only are there far more medical advancements that can pick up diseases earlier and offer advanced diagnosis that improves the outcome of treatment, we’re able to take our health into our own hands too.
Technology like home diabetes tests have made it possible for people to manage the condition more effectively from home, without the need for a healthcare provider to step in so frequently. In addition, technology like smart watches now have built in ECG capabilities, oxygen monitors and even fall detection technology that can trigger a response from emergency services if needed.
These technologies are enabling people to become more empowered to take care of their own health and live more independent lives.
Overall, technology has had a significant impact on the way we live daily life. The transformation has happened so quickly that it’s hard for us to comprehend all of these changes and how life would be without them. Only time will tell what lies ahead for us during the next few decades.
