Technology and Futurism!!!

I extend a warm welcome as I delve into the heart of my discourse. An intriguing thought crossed my mind earlier, as I pondered the prospect of being in a conversation with two futurists simultaneously. It led me to a whimsical notion - could our futures intersect and, perhaps, cancel each other out, leaving none of us with a future to behold? Fortunately, such conjecture remains in the realm of contemplation, and I am here to explore a range of fascinating concepts with you.

To begin, let me preface that both you and I have been referred to as "futurists in training," rather than authentic futurists. In fact, my colleague here, [Speaker's Name], is the genuine article if you ever wish to delve deeper into his body of work and his unique perspectives.

Let us embark on an intriguing thought experiment. I predict that every single one of you, with a staggering 100% saturation, carries within your possession a potent microcomputer—a robotic assistant so compact and capable that you fondly refer to it as your "smartphone." Please, if you have one with you, take it out and hold it up for a brief moment. I promise that I won't confiscate it. It's remarkable how instantly connected we are to these devices. Now, try this for a fleeting instant - swap your smartphones with your neighbors. The reactions are intriguing. The swift chuckles and palpable unease that ripple through the room tell a compelling story. What is it about our smartphones that makes us feel so uncomfortable when momentarily detached from them?

This brings us to the core of my musings as a futurist. It's not just about the technology; it's about our deep-seated connection to it and our relinquishing of control. Imagine, for a moment, that you find yourself incarcerated, and your smartphone is seized from your grasp. Whom could you contact without the assistance of your ever-present technological companion? In many cases, your smartphone has assumed control of your daily existence.

Think back to the last time you ventured anywhere without relying on navigation, even to destinations you've known like the back of your hand. The chances are you instinctively reached for your trusty navigation app, just to be certain of the quickest and most efficient route. These reflections are integral to my work as a futurist. It's not merely the technology itself; it's how intertwined it has become with our lives and how we've willingly surrendered control.

Will Rogers, the famous cowboy and innovator, once remarked, "Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there." This sentiment underscores the constant need for innovation and adaptation, even for the most pioneering companies. Stagnation is a perilous prospect in a world where change unfolds swiftly and decisively.

Here's a staggering statistic to ponder: four out of five smartphone users check their phones within the first 15 minutes of waking up. This is a figure from 2013, and I dare say that in 2023, it's likely closer to the first two minutes. In the same vein, 80% of smartphone users reported having their devices within arm's reach for nearly the entirety of their waking hours. Arianna Huffington, for one, recognizes the importance of disconnecting from these devices and is even marketing a "smartphone bed."

Form factor, too, is evolving in remarkable ways. The screens we use today, regardless of their size, are fundamentally still "restricted space." What lies ahead, I believe, is the liberation of space from borders, an expansion from restricted displays to a boundless realm of possibilities.

Let me share a bit of personal history. I hail from Central Florida, a region I fondly refer to as the "funnel of crazy." It's a place where all manner of eccentricity converges, a background that has endowed me with a unique perspective. The immersive experiences I encountered in the theme parks of Florida have profoundly influenced my outlook. Spatial entertainment, the idea of moving through and interacting with experiences, has been my reality since childhood, and it shapes my vision as a futurist.

Our journey into the future involves constant innovation in form factor. While we've seen a temporary plateau in the size and shape of our devices, we're poised to venture beyond. We're moving from the "brick cell phone" stage of virtual reality to a more streamlined, immersive future. A future where the physical form factor becomes increasingly inconspicuous, leading to experiences that are more compelling and connected than ever.

To conclude, I urge you to embrace boldness, bravery, and risk-taking. Don't shy away from exploring the edges. After all, the most profound discoveries are seldom made within the well-trodden paths but at the fringes where audacious thinkers challenge the status quo. Be a part of that movement, and together, we'll shape the future.

Thank you for your attention, and I look forward to our panel discussion.