The Internet of Things has undoubtedly brought many pleasant things to our lives. Although it will likely continue to do so, technology is subtly aggravating humanity. Let’s look at some of the serious drawbacks of the progress and connectivity devices achieved so far.
We have become too exposed to discrimination Research shows that AI can be biased. Algorithmic bias manifests when we often leave traces of human bias when creating AI. This exposes many users to online discrimination. Technology has also somehow integrated hate speech, racism and cyberbullying.
Unfortunately, all of this often turns into violence in real life, and Big Tech alone cannot quell such issues. This therefore remains a major concern affecting many Internet users. There is a lot of work to be done to tackle issues of social injustice online and fight against the oppression on the internet, which we see more of in times of war and civil unrest.
We have become less authentic
The idealistic representation of ourselves online and through technology is widespread. We’ve focused on aesthetics more than our intellect in one way or another, especially in the influencer community. Our cultural ideals have changed.
We have become more concerned with what other people think of us than with being happy. Not being true to your authentic self can lead to anxiety, depression, frustration, addiction, and a lack of meaning and fulfillment in life. In the business world, consumers are getting smarter at identifying inauthentic content. This is where brands have a role to play in ensuring that their influencer marketing content is not perceived as impersonal, generic or commercial.
We have become impersonal
Technology has brought the world closer but widened the distance between people. As a result, we have become connected but alone. Technology has kind of erected a barrier between people.
In the presence of this “digital wall”, we have lost part of the human touch in the interaction. Many people today prefer texting or emailing instead of calling or meeting. Many are sitting together in the same room, their heads bowed in front of their devices.
Technology has changed human behavior by driving people apart and reducing intimacy. The impact of this change on parenthood and child development in particular is alarming. With robots and AI increasingly replacing human resources, human-computer interaction is set to grow.
We have become slaves to our own devices
Our devices and the applications they contain are so essential that face-to-face conversations are rare. In-person conversations tend to be richer, more persuasive, and authentic. In person also creates more harmony and builds relationships.
Body language and tone of voice are among the most important building blocks of effective interaction, but can be “lost in translation” in virtual communications. Addiction to social media and devices is a reality. Unplugging has become almost impossible and it will become increasingly difficult in the years to come.
We have become overloaded with information Brands, marketers and influencers are feeling the growing pressure to create more and more content, in order to compete and succeed. Massive volumes of content are uploaded, from academic papers to news and insights.
This leads not only to information overload, but also to quantity over quality. But the good thing about clutter is that it inspires creativity. The more creators and content, the more competitive it is to get a share of voice, which creates an urge to get more creative with your content. AI writers, wearable devices and other content creation technologies enhance creativity.
We’ve become more vulnerable to cyberattacks A recent survey by a US and UK-based security firm found that almost 40% of employees working from home have weak cybersecurity practices, compared to those who work from home. are working in the office. The ubiquity of technology has made us vulnerable to hackers, as individuals and businesses. And even governments.
Last year, governments saw an almost 2,000% increase in ransomware attacks worldwide. The healthcare sector suffered from an almost 800% increase in such attacks last year.
We have become unscrupulous data collectors
Public and private data are at risk of spiraling into hopeless confusion thanks to technology that does not adequately protect personal data. US companies paid 400% more in ransoms last year than the year before.
Many of us don’t realize the amount of data we voluntarily share and the value of that data. Cookie tracking technology is coming to an end in 2023. With Web3, websites will interact directly with each other and with users, diminishing the power of intermediaries like Google and Facebook. This creates a decentralized online space where users retain control of their data and interact directly with each other.
We have become very commercial
A big shift from influencer marketing to “influencer sales” has happened across the board over the past few years. Brands, influencers, and social media platforms are increasingly aggressively monetizing content, which makes business sense.
Take the integration of shopping technology into platforms like Instagram in 2019 for example. I expect to see more social commerce powered by technology tools aimed at monetizing content.
We have become prone to health problems
Reduced physical activity, poor posture and eye strain cause chronic health problems and sleep disturbances.
We have become less empathetic
We’re meaner online! It’s easier to be mean hiding behind a messenger. We have also become accustomed to online violence.
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