Modern technologies – a gift or a curse?
A few months ago, I took a trip with my daughter, for her confirmation. It was just the two of us, and this journey was more than just a holiday. It provided a wonderful opportunity for us to bond as a father and daughter.
However, it also sparked some deeper thoughts about the role of new technology in our lives, especially the impact of robots and automation.
The trip began at the airport. I do not fly very often anymore, and it had been a significant time since my last flight. When I arrived, I noticed many changes. The long lines at check-in were gone. Instead of standing around waiting, we scanned our own passports.
We printed our luggage tags ourselves, and then scanned these tags before placing our suitcases on the baggage carousel. Fifteen hours later, our bags appeared right on time at a new carousel in Bangkok.
Everything functioned smoothly, and we faced very little waiting. Yet, during the entire baggage process, we never interacted with a single staff member.
Another moment that struck me occurred in a clothing store in central Bangkok. We were required to scan our items ourselves at checkout. This process was different from how it is done in many stores back home , where individual items are scanned one by one.
Instead, we placed our entire basket into a slot, and an infrared beam scanned everything at once.
After that, we just had to scan my MasterCard once to complete the purchase. Again, it was quick, efficient, and easy without the need for any human contact.
These experiences led me to reflect on several important questions. In a world where the speed of developing robots and automation is rapidly increasing, we must consider their implications. While halting technological advances is neither practical nor desirable, it is crucial to think about the purposes behind these innovations.
Technology should not take the place of meaningful human connections. Our interactions and quality time with each other remain essential. However, there is a potential for technology to assist us. In fact, we may even require that support.
Recent data reveals a troubling trend: many Danes are facing worsening mental health issues. This includes a rise in stress, anxiety, and various other challenges. Despite this, some political leaders suggest that the solution to labor shortages is for people to work harder and longer hours.
I question the realism of this approach, especially in a country with one of the highest employment rates in the world and a high retirement age. Within this context, several critical questions arise:
Can technology be a source of help? Can it take on some of our work responsibilities? Can it simplify our lives? Can it aid us in leading simpler lives?
Reflecting on my airport experience, where technology made our journey easier, I realize it provided my daughter and me with precious extra time. We were able to enjoy soda together and engage in meaningful conversation.
There are no simple answers to these questions. While it is crucial to remain aware of the challenges that new technology may pose, we must also recognize the valuable opportunities it presents.