Midterm
That technologies define the path and the speed of progress is difficult to deny for years and decades computers have served the basic measure of human evolution and created conditions necessary for humans to improve the quality of their lives. In the middle of November 2009, the worlds first universal programmable quantum computer has been put through its paces. But the test program revealed significant hurdles that must be overcome before the device is ready for real work (Barras, 2009). Although some time will pass before quantum computers turn into reality, it is more than important to understand why quantum and not any other technologies will exemplify the gigantic leap forward in the development of computer technologies.
First of all, quantum technologies create infinite opportunities for making computers both small and effective quantum computers work in a way that effectively combines small size with unlimited functional benefits. A quantum computer operates through a gold-patterned aluminium wafer that contains an electromagnetic trap 200 micrometers across with the two ions of magnesium and the two ions of beryllium, and quantum approach to technologies will, most probably, change our ideas about how computers should look (New Scientist, 2009). Of course, the smaller computer is the more convenient in use it will become, although it is very possible that quantum computers will not immediately become available to everyone.
Size, however, is not the only critical feature of quantum computers. Moreover, size is probably one of the least significant characteristics in quantum technologies. Quantum computers will signify the greatest leap forward in the development of computer technologies simply because they will expand the boundaries of computer performance. Quantum computers will process information at a speed that was not known before. They will work to solve large complex problems without any effort. They will change the idea of how information works in this world and will certainly change the direction of the human evolution. Quantum computers will change the quality of cryptography in computer science and will promote efficient factorization an option that only quantum computers can use they will produce significant impacts on the development of artificial intelligence and will help programmers develop a whole range of effective solutions from compression algorithms to voice recognition and quantum communication techniques.
Unfortunately, quantum computers are not without their problems, and ethical issues are the most serious ones. Spinello and Tavani (2004) write that nanotechnology and quantum computing have the potential to radically change information technology. If these technologies are successful, computers will become very very small, very very fast, and have an enormous amount of memory relative to computers of today (p. 690). These prospects are both optimistic and troubling, because if the current computer technology is associated with numerous ethical issues, quantum computers will make these problems even more serious. Privacy will become a matter of the major ethical concern for example, governments will be able to use quantum technologies to impose their control on individuals and groups (Spinello Tavani, 2004). Another problem is in whether quantum computers give rise to the development of human robotics and how bionic humans will influence the quality of the human life (Spinello Tavani, 2004). We will have to define whether it is normal to have a quantum device that enhances various human abilities implanted in our bodies. We will have to define the ethical limits of computer evolution. Quantum devices will create a revolution in virtual reality and will make the line between virtual and physical reality increasingly blurred. Nevertheless, and despite these problems, it is clear and understandable that our transition to quantum technologies is inevitable.
Globalization and technology pros and cons
Globalization is probably one of the most frequently used words in the modern vocabulary. However, the meaning of globalization is often taken for granted, and it is not always clear what technologies can be responsible for what we call globalization today. Moreover, the list of these global technologies is so extensive, that it is simply impossible to define which one became the critical driver of globalization in the world. I believe that the three major technologies are responsible for globalization the Internet, television, and air transport.
First, television has provided millions of people with a unique opportunity to access, analyze, and use the benefits and achievements of other cultures and societies the benefits and achievements that had been unknown or difficult to understand before television. It is very probable that television became the first step toward globalization in its current form, because television has an especially important role in shaping such social meanings as communication content dictates the way local or global mass media systems will affect peoples social experiences (Waters, 1995). The impact of television on human lives is so extensive that it is very difficult to foresee the results of globalization and technological development, but it is clear that television is responsible for the growing cohesion of cultures and attitudes, and reinforces the process of integrating diverse cultures and groups into one global network.
However, television alone would hardly lead to the development of present day globalization trends. I think that transportation became one of the principal factors responsible for globalization jet airplanes gave individuals a unique opportunity to travel and to familiarize themselves with new cultures. Jet airplanes are partially responsible for the elimination of geographical borders, which characterize modern globalization trends. The invention and expansion of transportation facilitated the process of economic integration, which, until present, has been the determinant feature of globalization.
Finally, the Internet shifted the relationships between countries, societies, and individuals to a new quality level. The underpinnings of the Internet are formed by the global interconnection of hundreds of thousands of otherwise independent computers, communications entities and information systems (Kahn Vinton, 1999). On the one hand, the emergence and expansion of the Internet reflected the principles and features of globalization itself, which always relied on the interconnectedness of different social, economic, and cultural elements. On the other hand, the Internet also reinforced globalization trends and moved globalization into the masses.
According to Griffiths and Wall (2007), globalization is usually characterized by the two major trends (a) shifts within countries toward market-driven production systems and (b) the increasing international economic integration. However, it is at least incorrect to assume that globalization is limited to trade and economy. In reality, globalization has already crossed the boundaries of economic integration and impacts social, cultural, and political life. I suppose that the two major features of globalization are (a) interconnectedness and (b) internationalization. These trends make all events and individuals interconnected and create a situation, in which time is shrinking (Griffiths Walls, 2007), borders disappear, and people and spaces turn into one integral global atmosphere.
Unfortunately, globalization is not always positive. I think that access to technologies is one of the major problems in the globalized world. Certainly, I benefit of interconnectedness of cultures and disappearing borders traveling becomes available and I have better opportunities to understand other cultures. However, globalization is impossible without technologies, and if I lack access to the Internet or cannot afford using air transport, I can hardly become a part of it. This is probably one of the major drawbacks of globalization it is driven by technologies, but it does not always create conditions necessary to access and use these technologies successfully.
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