Smart machines and devices have made a very big impact in our lives! If you think about it, there are many benefits that come with the invention of these smart devices. However, within these good effects, there are also downsides to consider. Let’s take a closer look at how technology has changed us and what we should think about while in charge of these devices!

There are many good and bad sides to smart devices. In the 1960s, the start of artificial intelligence (AI) along with computer growth were shown as an advantage, showing as a general problem solver.

As AI’s potential became noticeable in the 1990s-2000s, the global availability of the internet marked an era that also saw the arrival of e-commerce, virtual assistants, and the first iPhone.

Between 2010-2020, quick growth introduced devices and virtual assistants with human-like capabilities, changing many fields such as healthcare, finance, transportation, and manufacturing. As a result, there were many concerns such as loss of jobs and privacy as AI spread through daily life from smart-home devices, virtual assistants, and independent vehicles. The invention of Chromebooks in education proved beneficial for teachers but also raised concerns about excessive screen time for students.

As people deal with issues like unfairness and lack of control, more and more people start asking for rules to make sure AI is used fairly and equally.

Throughout this timeline, smart machines have had various impacts on people, including increased efficiency, productivity, and decision-making across the fields. They have also boosted human abilities and eased cost, innovation, and improved decision making.

However, smart machines have also led to job displacement, social concerns, reduced human connection, dependency, and digital depression due to excessive device usage. 

Considering all of these factors, the evolution of smart machines has brought big advancements while also creating challenges.  Moving forward, we should think about how much time we spend on our devices and if it helps us or not. Do you think that our advancements helped us or hurt us more?

Resources: 

Wikipedia                                           Simplilearn.com

Tableau.com                                       University of Rochester Medical Center

University System of Georgia

The George Washington University

LinkedIn.com

American Civil Liberties Union