THE Hyperconnected Lifestyle:: Future Impacts & Effects

THE
HYPERCONNECTED
LIFESTYLE:
Future Impacts & Effects
Jessie Clodfelter
The Hyperconnected Lifestyle: Future Impacts & Effects 2
Abstract
This report is the result of researching the always-on, always-connected lifestyle and how it has
and will impact humans. To be more specific, it will discuss how this lifestyle affects
relationships, communication skills, privacy and security, dependency on technology, the
world’s wealth gap, physical and mental health, and education. Of course, there are both positive
and negative sides to the Internet being involved in most of these areas. However, the always-on
way of living definitely impacts all of these aspects of lives as humans and more. Since the
emergence and rising popularity of the Internet of Things, people are constantly surrounded by
screens and devices that are connected to the Internet. As a result, information and apps are
readily available at any given moment.
This report focuses on the future impacts that the always-connected lifestyle will have. Unless
one will choose to live one hundred percent “off the grid,” this lifestyle will more than likely be
inescapable and omnipresent in human societies of the future. If current trends continue to grow
as expected, the Internet of Things will be surrounding humans at home, school, and work, as
well as being incorporated in hobbies and entertainment.
This report attempts to create a better understanding of how the Internet and new technologies
have affected various areas of people’ lives, and how they will be impacts in the coming years.
With so much technology in the world already, there will continue to be new and innovative
products launching as time continues. Many already have ideas about what advancements in
technology will be made in the future, but are not sure how being constantly connected to them
will affect people. The purpose of this report is to look into that idea and find other writers and
futures thinkers’ opinion about it, as well as developing other unique thoughts and findings.
Introduction
As a result of the Internet and technology booms in the late 1990s through the 2000s, humans
have become increasingly dependent and reliant on devices. From the desktop computer and cell
phone to Siri and Alexa, the technological revolution has obviously simplified the way humans
find and share information. However, there is the debate over the role that technology is
currently playing in human lives. Have humans become too connected? Are they becoming too
reliant on technology? Some say devices have definitely
become highly ingrained and omnipresent in daily
routines and lives.
Whether for a good or bad reason, technological

advancements and the increased levels of connectivity
over the years has changed human culture. As a result,
many experts and futurists have become concerned with
how human populations will be affected in various ways.
Being constantly connected and having readily available
Internet access at all times has impacted human
relationships, health, communication skills, senses of https://www.laserfiche.com/content/uploads/2015/07/shutterstock_1
security, and many other areas of life. 48264289.jpg
Hyperconnectivity and Human Interaction
Romantic Relationships
There have been many research studies conducted in the past few decades to analyze the
correlation between romantic relationships among humans and technology use. A study
completed by Emily Campbell and Christine Murray at The University of North Carolina at
Greensboro did just this. They found both positive and negative ways that technology use affects
romantic relationships. Positively, technology allowed all participants in the study to connect at
any time over any distance, as well as the ability to contribute to spaces centered around
developing relationships (chartooms, dating apps and websites, etc). Negatively, technology can
distract partners from each other and cause distrust and miscommunication.
Another study looks at the same topic through a neuropsychological perspective, or simply how
the human brain is functioning in these situations. Neuropsychologists Christina Leggett and Dr.
Pieter Rossouw at The University of Queensland found that is it not the amount of technology
that a couple is using, but rather how they are using it. For example, if two partners are engaging
in or interacting with technology together, they were more likely to report that it had positively
impacted the status of their relationship. However, Leggett and Rossouw found that television
was the only form of technology studied that only resulted in postitive impacts.
Interpersonal Communication Skills
It is a common criticism of increasing levels of technology use that humans, especially young
people, are not fully learning how to communicate face-to-face. As a result, Yale University
Center for Emotional Intelligence Director Marc Brackett stated that today’s children are not
learning how to communication their emotions in a physical
situation. He also states that parents and children are “When children use
communicating more through technology, even though those digital communication
communications may be weaker. Further, New York extensively, it can
Behavioral Health claims that children who have a higher
emotional intelligence tend to reach higher success in personal, curtail the face-to-face
social, and academic settings. These individuals are also more experiences necessary
likely to develop better social skills and more positive for them to develop and
relationships with their peers. master important social
Pediatric Nurse and Parenting Expert Denise Daniels even skills.”
goes to claim that the current rise in childrens’ technology use
can even rewrite the ways their brains work and develop. The - New York
American Association of Pediatrics recommends that children Behavioral
under the age of two do not engage in any screen time, as a
result. However, in recent years it is becoming more difficult Health
to escape technology, no matter how old or young the person is. According to New York
Behavioral Health, children ages eight to eighteen spend over seven and a half hours each day
using technology or devices outside the classroom.
Privacy and Security
Concerns Arise Along with IoT
According to Business Insider, there will be over twenty-four billion devices connected to the
Internet of Things (IoT) by 2020. Consequently, many device users are beginning to become
more aware of the information that they are agreeing to release in order to be constantly
connected and plugged in. In today’s modern society, devices with internet capabilities include
cars, refrigerators, televisions, baby monitors, coffee makers, and even insulin pumps. With more
and more people plugging into these smart devices, people are more or less connected to the
Internet in some way 24/7.
An article from Forbes, written by Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor Stuart

Madnick, explains the security issues that will become more known and controversial as the
Internet of Things popularizes. These include, but are not limited to, autonomous car
malfunctions, eavesdropping, and hacking. Madnick explains that heavily incorporating
technology into daily life is not necessarily a negative event. However, both technology
developers and their consumers must take responsibility into their own hands. This way, they can
both protect their privacy and be aware of the consequences and effects of living a
hyperconnected lifestyle.
Issues
Business Insider lists several key

issues when it comes to security
and privacy while engaging with
the Internet of Things. Key points
include public perception of
devices, how easily devices can be
hacked, company readiness to
combat cybercrime or hacking, an
inevitable digital footprint, and the
large amounts of data that the
Internet of Things will be
generating and collecting.
https://dcvizcayno.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/iot.png
As more and more people are
connected both devices and themselves to the Internet of Things, most of the privacy and
security issues of today will need to be addressed in order for this idea to progress into the future.
For examples, companies that are in the process of developing connectable devices will need to
implement measures that ensure their customers’ security. Jason Porter, the Vice President of
Security Solutions at AT&T tells BI Intelligence that companies will be able to accomplish this
goal by building security software into the actual devices themselves. This way, people who wish
to be connected to the Internet of Things at any degree will be able to do so without having as
much concern about controversial issues such as hacking and eavesdropping. Consumers would
also be more confident in their decisions to purchase their devices, helping the Internet of Things
grow and receive a wider acceptance among societies.
Digital Identities Equals Digital Epidemics
Currently, those connected (or hyperconnected) to the Internet are consciously and personally
implementing measures that will reduce associated with their levels of connectivity. David
Gorodyansky, co-founder of AnchorFree, writes an article for WIRED about the things we can
do to reduce those risks. He compares these ways to those to prevent physical sickness. For
example, washing your hands and receiving vaccinations reduce the risk of catching the flu or
being susceptible to a medical epidemic, so there must be precautions to take for digital
epidemics as well. Gorodyansky’s main tip is personal responsibility: being aware of the risks
and monitoring your own Internet usage. He also mentions the importance of being present and
participating in the ongoing debate in regards to Internet privacy and security issues. Lastly, he
lists some simple habits that many people can adapt to prevent data and identities from being
stolen. These include actions such as more complicated passwords, the environments in which
data is shared, and encrypting data when possible.
Infographic Example: Security and the Internet of Things
This infographic, created by ComputerScienceZong.org, depicts

all of the different kinds of devices and “things” that humans can
currently connect to the Internet, as well as the risks associated
with being connected via these devices. These include fitness
trackers, smart appliances in the home (refrigerators, coffee
makers, etc.), traditional electronics such as phones and
computers, and even cows! Common information that is often
risked and potentially tracked by being hyperconnected to devices
include safety, financial information, and location.
The image also discusses the biggest problem with the Internet of
Things: It is growing faster than humans are discovering how to
secure it. As a result, precautions will have to be taken in the near
future in order to keep users’ information and privacy from being
leaked or breached from cybercriminals, cyberattacks, or hackers.
This could be in the form of legislation, Internet restriction, or
censorship.
Lastly, the infographic presents some data in regards to the

anticipated progression of the Internet of Things. It predicts that by
the year 2020, there will be approximately 25 billion devices
connected, which will equal about 2.5 devices for every person on
Earth at that time. Even today, families living in larger urban cities
can be surrounded by thousands of connected, trackable devices at
any moment in time.
Norton, a cybersecurity software developer, published an article

on their website giving their own predictions for the future of
Internet security as it pertains to the Internet of Things. They state
that hackers will continue to find ways to breach data, but devices
such as routers will become more secure and safe as time
https://www.computersciencezone.org/security-internet-of-things/ progresses.
Dependency on Technology
Internet Addiction
Can a person be truly addicted to the Internet? Experts such as technology writers, psychologists,
and therapists are debating the question. However, with the instant gratification and 24/7
convenience that comes with Internet access, it is not surprising that some individuals with
intense levels of use are identifying as addicts to technology. This addiction is often compared to
drug addictions, such as those to heroin and

cocaine. Kathy Pretz states in an article for
The Institute that some medical experts are
saying that devices to Internet addicts are
like “digital heroin” or “electronic cocaine”
to convey the importance and severity of the
condition. However, she goes on to state
that even though these addictions can be
similar, they are different in one important
way: drug addictions are mostly centered
around sensations in the body, whereas https://btsiv.files.wordpress.com/2014/03/make-website-work-across-multiple-devices_collections_lg.jpg
technology addictions are all about the mind
and brain. Further, Chris Morris claims in an article from CNBC that those who are “habitually
[using] the Internet” experienced changes in the nerve fibers in their brains, similar to those of
addicts such as alcoholics.
An example of Internet addiction and technology dependency due to living a hyperconnected

lifestyle comes from a New York Times article by Matt Ritchel. In this article, he tells the story of
Kord Campbell, a San Francisco man who makes his living by being connected to the Internet
and writing code. On a daily basis, Mr. Campbell was looking at two monitors full of emails,
messages, chats, and code for multiple hours. As a result, he missed “one of the most important
email messages of his life”. At the time, Kord Campbell was involved in an Internet startup when
he received an email from a company wanting to buy it from him for $1.3 million. However, due
to Campbell’s hyperconnectivity, he missed the message. In fact, he did not notice the email in
his inbox until twelve days later. He was able to save his deal, but not without multiple apologies
and compromises. Will this be more common in the future? It is hard to tell. However, it will not
be surprising to many that humans may begin to miss important conversations or events due to
their constant distractions associated with being connected on multiple platforms for hours each
day.
Treatment
According to Pretz’s article, many people who are addicted to technology are aware of their
habits. As a result, they are seeking treatment for their addictions. Pretz also mentions in her
article about technology dependency in India, which is so present that addiction clinics are being
built to treat patients suffering from Internet addiction. Lastly in terms of treatment, she writes
about psychology professor Manoj Kumar Sharma’s five question test to determine if someone
has a problem with technology dependency. The five questions are as follows:
1. Do you crave access to gadgets?

2. Do you lose control over yourself when using them?
3. Do you feel compelled to use technology?
4. Are you using technology to cope with stress?
5. Are you experiencing any problems because of your usage?
Technology vs. Income Inequality
Labor Linking and Labor Saving Innovation
It is quite evident that technological advancements have changed the way the world works, from
communicating to working and the employment process. However, there are some debate as to
whether or not recent technology innovations have helped or hurt the world’s wealth gap.
Cornell University professor Kaushik Basu points out in an article from the World Economic
Forum that there are two main types of innovation, which this section is named after. Labor
Saving innovations are those that people most often hear about when discussing future
technologies: automation, artificial intelligence, etc. Labor Linking innovation, on the other hand,
is becoming a more popular method of work as a result of the Internet creating more globalized
societies. Basu explains labor linking positions as ones that require “work for employers and
firms in different countries, without having to migrate”. These may seem like great
advancements for people all over the world, but Basu says these innovations will result in
diminished wages for all, especially those in countries that are developing or have emerging
economies. As a result, global inequality may get worse before it can get better.
Christoffer Hernæs, however, has a different view.

He states in a TechCrunch article that countries “Technology does not cause
with overall high or middle incomes are income disparity, but enables
experiencing the widest wealth gaps. Labor saving increased efficiency and wealth
innovation is mentioned to be a main culprit of this
creation.”
increasing income inequality in developed
countries. Hernæs gives the example of the United
States, where income inequality is a very important - Christoffer Hernæs
issue. He explains that as a result of labor saving innovation many Americans in middle to lower
socioeconomic classes are being required to take other jobs, most of which have a much lower
pay. Another interesting argument made is about the next wave of innovation that will come in
the future. Hernæs claims that the next wave of labor saving innovation will affect white-collar
workers: doctors, lawyers, bankers, etc. Even though the future of jobs and work always seems
like a scary situation, the article states that the world will be able to transition successfully as
long as responsibility is taken and social stability is maintained.
Technology Has Potential to Eliminate Global Poverty
Oftentimes it is too easy to perceive connectivity, technology, and innovation as scary and
intimidating ideas. Martin Burt has a different view. Burt is the found and CEO of Fundación
Paraguaya, an organization that develops technologies and tools to help families break the cycle
of poverty. This organization has developed a tool called Poverty Stoplight that creates poverty
maps for each family that uses it, and helps them implement plans to improve their situations.
Although Poverty Spotlight is primarily used for families in Paraguay, it is also helping families
in other countries such as South Africa, India, Vietnam, and throughout Latin America. Burt also
spoke in an interview with World Economic Forum about how his foundation’s tool is also being
utilized by national governments to help them in their decision-making processes. By using

Poverty Spotlight, these governments are being able to see how certain policies will affect their
citizens, especially those living in poverty.
Hyperconnectivity: Helping or Hurting Our Health?
Mental and Physical Health Risks
A popular argument and concern surrounding living a hyperconnected lifestyle is that it is

detrimental to mental health. Dr. Paul Howard-Jones states in his research report discussing how
technology affects human wellbeing that excessively using the Internet can cause one to use it
for “sensation-seeking activities” or attention. He also mentions how being hyperconnected can
lead to issues such as low self-esteem and negative body image. Similarly, Lindsay Holmes
states in her article from the Huffington Post that overusing technology can potentially lead to
mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression, and even be a leading cause of sleep disorders.
Of course, overusing technology and being plugged into devices for hours each day can also
affect physical health. Holmes also lists a few negative effects associated with Internet usage and
this aspect of human health. For example, constantly using smaller devices such as tablets or
smartphones can result in spine issues and even tendonitis or muscle tension in the hands.
Further, extreme amounts of screen time daily can cause the development of poor vision, dry
eyes, or migraines. Lastly, overuse of technology and devices can be a bad decision for skin
conditions. Especially among Millennials and young people, our smartphones travel wherever
we do. They are taken everywhere. As a result, they are a great way for bacteria to spread right
before they are held in hands or put against faces.
Health Benefits
Believe it or not, technological innovation

and connectedness can also improve health!
An article by Positive Health Wellness
written by Karen Reed lists 8 ways that
technology has benefitted personal health.
First and foremost, the emergence and
popularization of fitness trackers has greatly
improved the physical health of many.
Products like the FitBit or traditional
pedometers are encouraging and rewarding
http://www.gfk.com/fileadmin/user_upload/website_content/Images/535x306-Static-
those who are completing their 10,000 steps teaser/Health_data_on_mobile_shutterstock_188507768_535x306.jpg
each day, eating a healthier diet, or getting a

full 8 hours of sleep. In a more literal sense, technology has also been able to assist those with
physical health problems. For example, technology has made way for advancements such as
pacemakers and insulin pumps to help people keep their bodies up and running.
Hyperconnectivity in the Classroom
Modern Education
As humans are incorporating more and more technology into their daily lives, it only makes
sense that devices would make their way into the classroom and schools for all ages. CEO Doug
Harward wrote an article on key trends that educators are currently experiencing in their
classrooms. A main trend is more investment into educational technologies, which will only
mean that students will become more connected and learning from devices as time passes. Other
trends from Harward include adaptive learning, and multimodal learning, which are centered
around efficiency within learning and discovering new ways to increase the retention of
information.
Matthew Lynch published an article with The Tech Edvocate similar to Harward’s, in which he
gives his take on how technology has impacted modern education. By interacting with
technology on a regular basis, students have become more engaged and active in a classroom
setting. This could lead to students developing their passions and interests earlier in their
academic career. Educators have also used technology to engage in more discussion among their
students by the implementation of forums and discussion boards. Students can also create online
groups via social media or a more academic platform.
Educational Technologies in the Future
In an article from TeachThought, Terry Heick gives 30 different predictions as to how using
devices within the classroom will change education and the learning process. By 2020, the article
predicts that both students and teachers will be regularly using technology to collaborate with
peers and school in different places. In 2024, it is predicted that teachers will be replaced by
mobile learning and learning simulations. Here, students will be in “eLearning based learning
environments,” rather than a traditional classroom. Students will also have personalized
algorithms to help them learn material in the way most efficient and useful for them. In 2028,
Heick predicts that the concept of school will be completely different to how it is known today.
Students will take part in virtual worlds and augmented reality to learn material rather than
sitting, reading, and taking notes. Degrees will also be a practice of the past. In 2028, students
will receive certificates to add to a portfolio that centers around achievements and performance.
Conclusion
It is no surprise that today’s society is centered around plugging into the latest device and
releasing new and innovative products by the month. Humans are becoming more connected to
the digital world each day, which can result in both positive and negative effects. Living a life
that is always-on is not inherently negative, however it does affect daily routine in every aspect.
Whether it be relationships, health, or even global poverty, technology is changing the way in
which humans are living and interacting with anything and everything around them. No one
knows for sure what plugging in to multiple devices will bring about in the future, but one thing
is for certain: humans will not be unplugging any time soon. The world and how people interact
with it will continue to change and progress, whether it be in a positive or negative way.
Annotated Bibliography
Basu, K. (2016, January 06). Is Technology Making Inequality Worse? Retrieved October 25,
2017, from https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2016/01/is-technology-making-inequality-
worse/
In this article, Basu states how a number of different countries are being affected by the
correlation between the rise in income inequality and the faster rate of technological
advancements. He discusses the conditions in the United States, China, Brazil, and the United
Kingdom.
Burt, M. (2015, September 09). How Technology Can Help Us Eliminate, Not Alleviate,
Poverty. Retrieved November 2, 2017, from
https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2015/09/how-technology-can-help-us-eliminate-not-
alleviate-poverty/
This article is an interview with Martin Burt, the CEO and founder of Fundación Paraguaya, an
organization that developed a tool called Poverty Stoplight. Poverty Stoplight is an assessment
tool used to analyze poverty maps and helps those in poverty determine strategies to overcome
their situation.
Campbell, E. C., & Murray, C. E. (2015). Measuring the Impact of Technology on Couple
Relationships: The Development of the Technology and Intimate Relationship
Assessment. Journal of Couple & Relationship Therapy, 14(3), 254-276.
doi:10.1080/15332691.2014.953657
This scholarly journal article walks the reader through a research study conducted at The
University of North Carolina at Greensboro that looked into the effects of technology use on
personal, intimate relationships. Campbell and Murray used both undergraduate and graduate
students in this study to explain this relationship and offer suggestions for future research and
couples therapy.
Gorodyansky, D. (2015, August 06). Internet Privacy and Security: A Shared Responsibility.
Retrieved October 30, 2017, from https://www.wired.com/insights/2013/10/internet-
privacy-and-security-a-shared-responsibility/
This opinion piece written by AnchorFree co-founder David Gorodyansky states that it is the
responsibility of both technology producers and consumers to solve the security and privacy
issues that have come to light as a result of the hyperconnected lifestyle. He also lists a few
measures that people can take to ensure their security is not breached. These include strong
passwords and monitoring Internet use.
Harward, D. (2016, Nov. & dec.). Key Trends for 2017: Innovation in Educational Technology.
Retrieved October 25, 2017, from https://www.trainingindustry.com/magazine/nov-dec-
2016/key-trends-for-2017-innovation-in-educational-technology
This article discusses the future of education technology, and focuses on the current trends in
2017 that many educators are implementing in the classroom. Much emphasis is put on investing
in educational technologies, higher engagement, and the many different ways of learning that has
resulted from advancements in technology.
Heick, T. (2015, November 05). 30 Incredible Ways Technology Will Change Education by
2028. Retrieved November 2, 2017, from https://www.teachthought.com/the-future-of-
learning/30-incredible-ways-technology-will-change-education-by-2028/
In this article, 30 predictions are made for how the education process will be different in 2028.
Heick goes through each year, making a few predictions for each from 2014 to 2028.
Hernæs, C. O. (2017, March 29). Is Technology Contributing to Increased Inequality? Retrieved

October 25, 2017, from https://techcrunch.com/2017/03/29/is-technology-contributing-
to-increased-inequality/
In this article, Hernæs discusses the correlation between the decline in global poverty and rising
income inequality across the globe. He also points out the fact that the United States has the
largest wealth gap an is the furthest ahead in terms of technology and innovation. Hernæs also
speaks of the blame humans often put on technology for the rise in inequality, and states that this
argument is simply a way for people to refuse responsibility.
Holmes, L. (2014, December 05). Sneaky Ways Technology is Messing With Your Body and
Mind. Retrieved October 25, 2017, from
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/12/05/health-effects-of-technol_n_6263120.html
This article in the Huffington Post elaborates on a few ways that overusing technology can
negatively affect your mental and physical health. It focuses on “sneaky” ways that your health
conditions can be altered without even noticing.
Howard-Jones, P. (2011, July). The Impact of Digital Technologies on Human Wellbeing:

Evidence from the Sciences of Mind and Brain [PDF]. Nominet Trust.
Howard-Jones’s report focuses on the criteria for “good” and “bad” technology, what makes
technology use problematic or addictive, and suggestions for future research in regards to the
Internet. It also discusses the pros and cons of Internet usage and what could be done to improve
the Internet user’s experience.
Johnson, C. (2014, August 29). Face Time vs. Screen Time: The Technological Impact on
Communication. Retrieved October 25, 2017, from
https://www.deseretnews.com/article/865609628/How-technology-is-changing-the-way-
we-communicate.html
This article looks into the relationship between high levels of technology use in children and
adolescents and their level of emotional intelligence. It offers quotes and facts from Marc
Brackett, who is the director of the Center for Emotional Intelligence at Yale University.
Lynch, M. (2017, February 12). 7 Ways Technology Is Impacting Modern Education. Retrieved
October 25, 2017, from http://www.thetechedvocate.org/7-ways-technology-impacting-modern-
education/
This article lists and explains seven ways that technology is impacting the modern classroom and
the education processes of the future. These ways include active engagement, simulation,
coaching, and more.
Madnick, S. (2017, May 08). Security Surprises Arising from the Internet of Things (IoT).
Retrieved October 25, 2017, from
https://www.forbes.com/sites/ciocentral/2017/05/08/security-surprises-arising-from-the-
internet-of-things-iot/
In this article, Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor Stuart Madnick discusses the
many ways that the newly evolving Internet of Things can and already has affected users’
security. He mentions events involving the CIA and autonomous vehicles, as well as how simple
home appliances with internet capabilities can greatly affect how we will use the Internet in the
future.
Meola, A. (2016, December 19). How the Internet of Things Will Affect Security & Privacy.
Retrieved October 25, 2017, from http://www.businessinsider.com/internet-of-things-
security-privacy-2016-8
This article discusses new developments in regards to the Internet of Things and the risks that are
associated with the benefits of being constantly connected to the Internet. It also gives the reader
a list of current security issues that have arisen as a result of Internet users implementing their
devices into their daily routines.
Morris, C. (2015, August 15). Is Technology Killing the Human Touch? Retrieved October 25,
2017, from https://www.cnbc.com/2015/08/15/gy-killing-the-human-touch.html
This article mentions how the Internet has affected both human relationships and the ways that
we physically communicate with others.
Pretz, K. (2016, December 23). Medical Experts Say Addiction to Technology is a Growing
Concern. Retrieved November 2, 2017, from http://theinstitute.ieee.org/ieee-
roundup/blogs/blog/medical-experts-say-addiction-to-technology-is-a-growing-concern
In this article, Pretz discusses the rising levels of internet addiction across the globe. She also
recalls conversations she had with clinical psychologists and therapists on the issue. Efforts to
combat this rising addiction are also stated, as well as arguments from both sides as to if internet
addiction even exists in the first place.
Richtel, M. (2010, June 06). Attached to Technology and Paying a Price. Retrieved October 25,
2017, from http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/07/technology/07brain.html
In this article from the New York Times, the story of how the Internet changed Kord Campbell’s
life is told. Campbell had been so immersed into technology that he missed an email from a
company wanting to buy his Internet startup for $1.3 million. This story is sued to illustrate how
being fully connected to the Internet for most of the fay can be a distraction from daily activities
and events.
Rossouw, P., & Leggett, C. (2014, November 04). The Impact of Technology Use on Couple
Relationships. Retrieved October 25, 2017, from
http://www.neuropsychotherapist.com/the-impact-of-technology-use-on-couple-
relationships/
This study was conducted at the University of Queensland in Australia and researched how
technology impacts romantic relationships from a neuropsychological perspective. In other
words, this study explains how technology use affects partners’ perceptions of their relationships.
The Impact of Social Media Use on Social Skills. (n.d.). Retrieved October 25, 2017, from
http://newyorkbehavioralhealth.com/the-impact-of-social-media-use-on-social-skills
This article from New York Behavioral Health discusses the benefits and risks of social media
usage among young people and how social media usage in this demographic affects social skills
and emotional intelligence.
5 Predictions on the Future of the Internet of Things. (n.d.). Retrieved November 2, 2017, from
https://us.norton.com/internetsecurity-iot-5-predictions-for-the-future-of-iot.html
United States-based Internet security software developer Norton published an article giving their
predictions for the Internet of Things in the future. These predictions include topics such as
cyberattacks, artificial intelligence, and the emergence of smart cities.
8 Ways Technology Is Improving Your Health. (2017, February 22). Retrieved November 16,
2017, from https://www.positivehealthwellness.com/fitness/8-ways-technology-
improving-health/
This article lists eight ways technology is positively affecting personal health. These include
technology being a main force in medical and scientific advancements, fitness motivation due to
fitness trackers such as the FitBit and pedometers, and medical devices that are used to keep
one’s body working as it should.
Top 10 Lists
Top 10 Twitter Information Curators
BBC Future is a Twitter account created by the well-known British network. Here, the account tweets out
BBC Future links to articles multiple times a day. These articles relate to both current and future issues in a wide variety
@BBC_Future of fields including technology, healthcare, business, space exploration, and many others.
TED Talks are a great platform for people to share their ideas or research on any topic that they are interested
TED Talks in. The Twitter account for TED Talks is a great resource (other than the official TED website and YouTube)
@TEDTalks to find talks given by motivational speakers, scientists, politicians, professors, etc. Many are focused on
thoughts, predictions, and innovations for the future in fields such as technology, business, public policy,
human rights, mental health, and many more.
Brian David Johnson is an author and futurist thinker in San Francisco, California. His Twitter presence is
Brian David mainly focused on promoting and sharing his work and the work of others, mainly in regards to future
Johnson technologies. An interesting reoccurrence on Johnson’s page is his thought that humans should put away their
fear of future technologies, and use them to our advantage.
@BDJFuturist
NowThis is a news site with massive followings on Twitter and Facebook. They are known for their short
NowThis informational videos sharing news stories, current events, and world issues via social media. NowThis also
@NowThisNews has separate accounts that are more specific in the types of information shared, such as NowThis Newsroom,
NowThis Nerd (comics, movies, video games), NowThis Tech, NowThis Election (popular during the 2016
presidential election), NowThis Her (feminism and women’s issues), and NowThis Future.
John Smart is an author, CEO, and speaker. He is the creator of The Foresight Guide, and works with the
John Smart Acceleration Studies Foundation. John shares a lot of information about climate change and environmental
@johnmsmart issues and the future of infrastructure.
Wired is a popular website that is centered around current and future issues in the fields of communications
Wired and media, business, science, and technology. They tweet out daily information about numerous subjects
@WIRED relating to these fields such as the new iPhone, movies and TV shows about the future, the Facebook/Russia
controversy, and scientific discoveries.
Future Hunt is an online community for anyone and everyone to share their ideas, thoughts, and work about
Future Hunt the future. Their Twitter shares futures news, projects, events, and ideas. Common subjects discussed on
@FutureHuntCo Future Hunt’s account are robots/artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and the future of human jobs.
Laura Schlenhuber is a futurist and works at a company called Kalypso, which helps clients in their
Laura Schlenhuber innovation processes. Recently, Laura’s Twitter mainly focuses on the future of transportation, as well as
@lschlenhuber medical advancements and artificial intelligence.
Jan Gordon is a futurist thinker, influencer, and digital strategist. She is included in the Top 20 Social Media
Jan Gordon Global Influencers of 2017 and is the CEO of the company Curatti, which is composed of businesspeople and
@janlgordon entrepreneurs that helps others develop digital and social strategies. Jan tweets and shares a lot of information
about social media and its issues, as well as marketing and business tips.
Shaun King is a writer and journalist with very strong social media presences on Facebook and Twitter. He
Shaun King has written for many publications and is a commentator for The Young Turks. He is most known for sharing
@ShaunKing and writing about current events and news stories relating to human rights, politics, and larger global issues.
Top 10 Issues for the Future

Privacy Since former NSA employee Edward Snowden released information about government
Link 1 surveillance, many people have started to question the idea of internet privacy. Under the
Link 2 Obama administration, efforts were made to protect the privacy of internet users. These
regulations required internet service providers (ISPs) to obtain permission from their
customers before they were allowed to collect their personal data. However, the Trump
administration has repealed those protections. This has made room for many
interpretations and predictions about the future of internet privacy, if it even exists in the
first place. Although many see the internet as a free service, writer David Greer claims
“users have to understand that nothing comes without a cost.” It is projected that there will
be an increased amount of government surveillance, and that internet users will continue
to sacrifice their privacy for convenience. Greer also states that in the future, the only way
to truly maintain your privacy is to live completely off the grid.
Security As the “Internet of Things” is becoming more and more integrated in our everyday lives,
Link 1 its “security flaws” are also being brought to light. In today’s society, security breaches,
Link 2 device hacking, and cyberattacks are not uncommon. While the convenience of having our
fridges, televisions, and even (eventually) cars connected to the internet seems like a
dream, there are many risks that we need to start evaluating more heavily. Devices such as
baby monitors and televisions can be hacked and turned into means for eavesdropping,
and there is a growing concern for digitized or computerized medical devices. As
ransomware programs and attacks are becoming a more popular method for hackers,
damage costs from these hacks are expected to total $5 billion in 2017. This is a 15-time
increase from 2015, when the cost of damage from ransomware attacks was only $325
million. It is very obvious that the issue of security is already very concerning, and will
only continue to rise in levels of seriousness and controversy as we progress into the
future.
Net Neutrality Simply stated, net neutrality is the idea that all data and content on the internet should be
Controversy treated equally by internet service providers (ISPs). The Harvard Business Review states
Link 1 that the discussion and debate surrounding this issue has become more serious and
Link 2 “frenzied” since the election of Donald Trump. The new chairman of the Federal
Communication Commission (FCC), Ajit Pai, has stated his desire to overturn the FCC’s
Open Internet Order which went into effect in February 2015. This order places more
regulation on ISPs in order to more closely follow the principles of net neutrality. If this
idea is no longer being implemented, Mark Stanley (an internet activist) states that “big
cable companies will be able to slow down certain websites and pick winners and losers
on the internet.” In other words, the ISPs and customers who are paying/receiving the
most money will be able to pick which content will be more accessible and easily
available.
Physical and Mental According to Northwest Primary Care, Americans spend an average of five hours a day
Health looking at screens. As a result, there are a variety of effects on both our physical and
Link 1 mental health. Regularly looking at screens for extended periods of time can often cause
Link 2 eye problems, or “eyestrain,” where one can experience headaches, dry eyes, and/or back
and neck pain. Another physical effect is sleeping disorders! The artificial light given off
by technological devices actually prevent melotonin from being released in the body.
Lastly, the most obvious physical effect is physical inactivity. With the rise of popularity
of the internet, there has been a drop in the fitness levels of Americans. It is reported that
American are getting 32% less physical activity as a result of overusing technology.
Overuse of technology and social media particularly can also have mental effects such as
stress, insecurity, and depression and anxiety. This can arise from being constantly
plugged in to not only our own lives, but the lives of our friends and families as well.
Identity Theft In 2016 15.4 million Americans were victims of identity theft, which is a record number.
Link 1 Even with the introduction of chip cards and other preventative measures, identity thieves
Link 2 are finding new and innovative ways to work around them. There has also been an
increase in identity fraud based on online shopping, where criminal can obtain credit card
information via spyware or malware. It is even reported that these perpetrators are not
only using existing accounts that do not belong to them, but also opening new ones with
their newly obtained “identities.” The estimated loss due to identity theft in 2016 has been
totaled to $2.3 billion.
The Effects of the Studies have just recently begun to take place that look at technology’s impact on
Internet on Children children, but they have already come to some very interesting results. Consuming too
Link 1 much multimedia content has actually become linked to lower comprehension levels,
Link 2 limited attention spans, and weak long-term memories. By the age of two, 90% of
American children have an “online history,” or have had some degree of regular
interaction with the internet. Chelsea Clinton and James P. Steyer state that over 50% of
American five-year-olds are regularly interacting with computers or tablets. They also
claim that middle school children interact with media more than their parents and/or
teachers. Lastly, it is also reported that over 7.5 million American children under the age
of thirteen have a Facebook account. These recent studies have already uncovered some
very important effects of the internet on American children, and they will continue to
reveal more information about the its impact.
Cybercrime The 2017 Hiscox Cyber Readiness Report states that 53% of companies in the United
Link 1 States, United Kingdom, and Germany are “ill-prepared” for experiencing a cyberattack.
Link 2 As cybercrime is one of the fastest growing threats, this is obviously an issue. Stuart
Madnick, a professor at MIT, says that “It’s a matter of when, not if, it will happen” in
regards to any company that has control over valuable assets. On a global scale,
cybercrime has costed the economy over $450 billion in damages and losses. It has also
been reported that stolen cyber weapons from the National Security Agency are for sale
on the “dark web.” As it seems that levels of cybercrime are not going to decrease any
time soon, it is important that companies and staff members are trained to deal with the
process and effects of a cyberattack. Madnick also claims that cybercrime can only be
fought “by working together with government, industry, and academia.” As more and
more personal information is being stored and shared online, this will be a very important
argument to keep in mind when fighting the issue of cybercrime.
Internet Addiction Compulsive social media activity, obsessive gaming, heightened restlessness, and anxiety
Link 1 when denied access are all signs of internet addiction, or Pathological Internet Use (PIU).
Link 2 Dr. John Grohol states that there is no complete, agreed upon definition of internet
addiction among psychologists, but it is definitely a problem. There are already treatment
programs and facilities for internet addiction in countries such as China and South Korea.
South Korea even has a curriculum for children as young as three to teach them about the
overuse of technology and the internet. Although this issue has not been formally labeled
as a “mental illness,” health professionals are suggesting that it is more complicated than a
mere social problem. As the Internet of Things is rapidly growing in today’s society, time
will only tell what internet addiction will entail in the future, and what the signs of it will
be down the road. Catherine Steiner-Adair, writer for CNN, says it best when she states
that “There is nothing here we can’t improve. The biggest danger is denial.”
The Loss of While the invention of the internet and numerous technological devices have improved
Communication our lives, there are some negative effects to being constantly surrounded by our screens.
Skills Since social media and digital communications have become such an integral part of our
Link 1 lives, it has been found that humans, especially younger children, are losing or having
Link 2 more trouble developing their communication skills. It is reported that teenagers aged
twelve to seventeen use text messaging as their primary form of communication, and kids
spend 20% less of their playtime participating in non-screen related activities. Vocal and
visual cues are important components of communicating face to face, and is something
that is not perceived while conversing through social media or text messaging. As a result,
people are having a harder time registering non-verbal communication such as body
language, emotional cues, and facial expressions. It is also said that children who are able
to understand non-verbal methods communication are more likely to develop better social
skills and peer relationships. Our society seems to be adding more devices and screens by
the day, so what does this mean for the future of how people will communicate?
Piracy “Stopping internet piracy is like playing the world’s largest game of ‘Whac-A-Mole,’”
Link 1 says New York Times writer Nick Bilton. Since the late 1990s and the lawsuit involving
Link 2 Napster, online piracy has been a hot topic. According to Google, more than 20 million
requests to remove copyrighted content are sent in each week. Oftentimes, the latest
episode of Game of Thrones is illegally downloaded more times than it is watched live.
Full-length Disney films are uploaded to YouTube millions of times each week. Similar to
cyber criminals, internet pirates are continuing to develop new and innovative ways to
sneak around advancements in legislation and regulation of pirated content. Some say that
the issue of piracy will never go away, at least as long as there is new content being made.
Top 10 Futures Thinkers
Elon Musk Although some of Elon Musk’s ideas may be controversial, there is no doubt he is one of the most well-known futurist
thinkers of our time. As the owner of companies such as Tesla Motors and SpaceX, Musk has brought ideas to life such
Link 1 as autonomous cars and the possibility of humans living on Mars. In fact, the first trip to colonize Mars has been
tentatively scheduled for 2023. At the age of seventeen, Elon Musk left his home country of South Africa to start his
Link 2 career in innovative technology. He has been referred to as “the world’s most remarkable living entrepreneur” and “the
real-life Iron Man” as a result of his accomplishments.
Jane Jane McGonigal is an author and video game developer with the ultimate goal of using video games as a tool to educate
and solve world issues. She has won awards for her games in more than thirty countries and on six continents. Dr.
McGonigal McGonigal is also the Director of Games Research and Development at the Institute for the Future, which is a research
Link 1 organization in California. Her games are known for requiring players to deal with global issues such as poverty and
climate change, and are often have virtual reality capabilities.
Link 2
Amy Webb Amy Webb is a futurist based out of Maryland, but is also an author and professor at New York University in the Stern
School of Business. She also does not limit herself to one field in futurist thinking, ranging from games to economics, to
Link 1 music, to journalism. Webb owns a company called the Webbmedia Group, which is a firm that conducts research to
discover future and emerging trends in technology and digital media. Forbes included Amy Webb in their list of
Link 2 “Women Who are Changing the World,” and she has published her work in publications such as The Los Angeles
Times, Harvard Business Review, and NPR.
Ray Ray Kurzweil is an American inventor, author, and the current Director of Engineering at Google. He is most famously
known for his predictions about the future, and it is said that he has an 86% accuracy rate. He predicted the rise of
Kurzweil mobility, the Cloud, and even the fall of the Soviet Union. Kurzweil’s latest prediction is centered around singularity, or
Link 1 the moment in time when technology has become smarter than humans. He says that this moment will occur in the year
2045, and that it will have equal intelligence to humans in 2029.
Link 2
Mark When thinking of success stories in the twenty-first century, Mark Zuckerberg is probably the one that comes to mind
first. With his co-founding of Facebook in 2004, networking and social media were forever changed. Since then,
Zuckerberg Zuckerberg has been working more to further his growth by purchasing other platforms such as WhatsApp and Oculus.
Link 1 More recently, TIME magazine has reported that Zuckerberg is on a mission to get every person in the world online. By
doing so, he is not only attempting to grow Facebook as a business, but also create jobs, decrease poverty, and improve
Link 2 wealth in countries such as India, Zambia, and Tanzania.
Nayef Al- Additional to being a futurist, Dr. Al-Rodhan is a neuroscientist, neurosurgeon, philosopher, and geostrategist. He
trained at both Yale and Harvard, and is currently a professor at the University of Oxford. He is currently studying the
Rodhan future relevance of Islamic countries in terms of regional and global geopolitics. Dr. Al-Rodhan has also researched the
Link 1 sustainability of national and global security, the geopolitics of outer space, and the history of ideas.
Link 2
Isabel Additional to being a future thinker, Isabel Pedersen is an associate professor at the University of Ontario Institute of
Technology in the Communication and Digital Studies department. She is also the Research Chair for Digital Life,
Pedersen Media, and Culture. Dr. Pederson has published work on how technology that can be worn or implanted can impact
Link 1 human interaction and culture. She also studies the “digital evolution” of humans and how we adopt new technology
before understanding it.
Link 2
Bill Gates Bill Gates is not only the richest man in the world, but also one of the most well-known futures thinkers. He co-founded
Microsoft with Paul Allen in 1975, when he was in his early twenties. Together, they anticipated the needs of the
Link 1 emerging personal computer market, and ended up making billions of dollars. However, with the establishment of the
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Gates, his wife, and many volunteers are now working towards equality among
Link 2 young people worldwide in terms of education, healthcare, decreasing poverty, and employment.
Marian Marian Salzman is a public relations executive and is among the top five trendspotters worldwide. Her public relations
agency, Havas PR North America, is ranked among the top twelve in the world. She publishes her own annual trends
Salzman forecast, as well as writing for websites such as Forbes, CNBS, PRWeek, and the Huffington Post. In 2003, she was
Link 1 credited with coining the term “metrosexual,” and manages other trendspotters around the world.
Link 2
Francesca Francesca Birks is a futures thinker at Arup Foresight, where she is a Foresight, Research, and Innovation Leader. She
has backgrounds in advertising and media design, but now works on projects dealing with the environment and social
Birks sustainability. She also helps her clients complete projects that will help them envision the future of their organization(s)
Link 1 in terms of both design and vision.
Link 2
Top 10 Futures Infographics
What Will the Internet Look Like in This infographic depicts predictions of how the internet will work in 100 years, given that it has not
100 Years? (WhoIsHostingThis) been replaced. Predictions include Google using balloons to transmit signals and the ability to email
tangible objects. The Internet of Things will be replaced by The Internet of Everything, and
wearable technology sales will have risen by 300%. It also suggests that many privacy and security
Link issues we have discussed in class will be addressed by AI that detects cybercrime, better encryption
technology, and computers being able to “forget”.
12 Characteristics of Future Media Many trends that we have seen in media and technology today will be characteristics of all media in
(World Economic Forum) the future. The World Economic Forum suggests that the media of the future will be participatory
and immersive, personal, and data driven. People will also be consuming media personalized for
them specifically. This infographic also suggests that new media will be invented by combining
Link existing media. It also states that future media will be “borderless” and global, being able to cross
the traditional geopolitical border that we know today.
Top 10 Innovations by 2050 This infographic is a top 10 list in itself, but lists innovations that we may experience by the year
(NowAndNext.com) 2050. Many of these innovations involve improving human life, such as the 150-year life
expectancy of humans or being able to 3D print new skin for injured individuals. Others include
space travel, like a moon hotel or the first child being born in space. This infographic also suggests
Link that by 2050, humans will be able to download their dreams and be able to wear VR contact lenses.
The 2020 IoT - How to Prepare for the This infographic predicts the recent future and discusses the state of the Internet of Things in the
Future (New Jersey Institute of year 2020. It states that by 2020, there will be 4.5 million developers that will be producing devices
Technology) that can connect to the IoT and the IoT market will be worth $3.04 trillion. It also discusses the
disadvantages of the Internet of Things, showing that 70% of devices are able to be hacked and that
6 out of 10 devices have an “insecure web interface”.
Link
Let’s Talk Connected Devices This infographic discusses connectivity and internet traffic. It states that in the future, 99% of
(MobileFuture.org) everything made by humans will be able to connect to the internet: dog collars, street lights,
textbooks, etc. It also says that revenue from connected devices will grow from $200 billion in 2012
to $1.2 trillion by 2020.
Link
Security and The Internet of Things This infographic discusses security issues with the Internet of Things, which we have discussed a
(ComputerScienceZone.org) lot in class this semester. An interesting fact stated in this infographic is that not only are our cars,
electronics, and appliances being connected, but also our animals! It states that farmers are
beginning to use sensors with their cows that collect health data. It also talks about how IoT is
Link growing faster than humans can control and secure it and is highly susceptible to cyberattacks,
hacking, and security breaches.
The Future of eCommerce (The Chat We have also discussed in class the future of eCommerce and how the shopping process will be
Shop) changed in the future. This infographic discusses customer expectations and satisfaction with online
shopping. It also talks about the roles of social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and
Instagram in promoting or aiding products, brands, and businesses. Lastly, the infographic shows
Link Amazon’s plan to use commercial drones in its delivery processes in North America.
Internet of Things - Evolution or This infographic is centered around the IoT and what it means to be connected to it. It predicts that
Revolution? (AIG) from 2010 to 2020, the number of devices connected to the internet will more than double (~20
billion - ~50 billion). It also discusses risks such as privacy and liability and how today’s devices
have anywhere from 5 – 9 sensors each. Lastly, this infographic shows the industries that are
Link currently being positively impacted by connected devices: transportation, banks, energy, healthcare,
food, etc.
How the Internet of Things Will Rule This infographic walks the reader through how a typical workday will be conducted in 2020, with a
Your Workday in 2020 focus on how omnipresent and hyperconnected we will be to the internet. Waking up, we are alerted
(Forbes/Century Link) with emails and able to prestart our cars. During our commute rush hour will no longer exist due to
driverless cars, and there will be about 152 million connected cars on the roads. At work, our
computer systems will be modeled after the human brain and we will receive suggestions from
Link computer software on how to improve our job performances. On the way home, our phones
instantly notify us of sales and deals from our favorite stores and smart homes will be able to be
controlled with a single button.
Internet of Things and the Mobile This infographic explains how IoT will impact us as well as some facts. It states that 328 million
Future (MobileFuture.org) devices are connected to the internet each month. By 2022, homes will contain 500 smart devices,
and over half of homeowners will want “smart” thermostats and door locks. By 2023, every vehicle
on the road will be connected to the internet. By connecting street lamps to the internet, cities will
Link be able to save up to 80% on their energy costs. Finally, the infographic states that by 2020, 44
zetabytes will have been exchanged via the Internet of Things. For reference, 1 zetabyte = 1 trillion
gigabytes.

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THE

Whether for a good or bad reason, technological

security, and many other areas of life. 48264289.jpg

Hyperconnectivity and Human Interaction

Interpersonal Communication Skills

Privacy and Security

Concerns Arise Along with IoT

An article from Forbes, written by Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor Stuart

Business Insider lists several key

Digital Identities Equals Digital Epidemics

Infographic Example: Security and the Internet of Things

This infographic, created by ComputerScienceZong.org, depicts

Lastly, the infographic presents some data in regards to the

Norton, a cybersecurity software developer, published an article

drug addictions, such as those to heroin and

An example of Internet addiction and technology dependency due to living a hyperconnected

1. Do you crave access to gadgets?

Technology vs. Income Inequality

Labor Linking and Labor Saving Innovation

Christoffer Hernæs, however, has a different view.

Technology Has Potential to Eliminate Global Poverty

utilized by national governments to help them in their decision-making processes. By using

Hyperconnectivity: Helping or Hurting Our Health?

Mental and Physical Health Risks

A popular argument and concern surrounding living a hyperconnected lifestyle is that it is

Believe it or not, technological innovation

each day, eating a healthier diet, or getting a

Hyperconnectivity in the Classroom

Educational Technologies in the Future

Hernæs, C. O. (2017, March 29). Is Technology Contributing to Increased Inequality? Retrieved

Howard-Jones, P. (2011, July). The Impact of Digital Technologies on Human Wellbeing:

Top 10 Twitter Information Curators

Top 10 Issues for the Future

Top 10 Futures Thinkers

Top 10 Futures Infographics

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