Technology is evolving with every passing day, with innovative solutions to everyday problems emerging now and then. While technological progress had been part of human civilization for centuries, it gained pace during the second half of the 20th century and the first two decades of the 21st century. During this period, technology became the vehicle of progress, and economically stable countries started investing in boosting their technological footing.
As the world changed over the decades, these countries that had made the right investment at the right time became stronger than ever. Everything revolved around technology, ranging from the progress during the space race to the computer wars. Those countries that had the means to produce things that others were dependent on for their daily lives became hubs of innovation and technological growth.
Later, within the first decade of the 21st century, following the emergence of social media and the introduction of smartphones, things began to move in a different direction. These smart devices, coupled with access to endless information and networks, hooked people to their screens, paving the way for more technological dependency in years to come.
The implications of technology became apparent during international events such as the Arab Spring, where social media allowed protesters to coordinate and mobilize against dictatorial regimes in the Middle East.
Fast forward, 2020 witnessed the emergence of the coronavirus pandemic, which took life entirely online. Schools and colleges went online to continue education, and companies switched to remote work to keep the businesses running. Moreover, the acceptance of online learning programs increased, and an online masters in cybersecurity could be deemed as important as one conducted in person at a university. Over a few months, these changes took place as the world tried to cope with pandemic-induced challenges.
After successive lockdowns, the world realized that the world would have to adjust to the pandemic, and life would have to resume. Two years later, now in 2022, the virus is still spreading, albeit slowly, but life is moving towards normalcy. People are also trying to find ways to go about their lives while keeping themselves safe from the mutating virus, which still poses a threat to human life. Therefore, this article will show you how technology is enabling the shift towards normalcy and helping the human race deal with emerging problems.
- Remote education
Courtesy of the coronavirus pandemic, remote education has become a norm in many parts of the world. Schools and colleges that were forced to adapt to the changing circumstances are now well-equipped to conduct their classes online. So, if classes cannot be held on campus for any specific reason, these institutions have the mechanism of immediately shifting to online classes to keep education going. Moreover, many schools and colleges allow students to take classes online if they cannot come to campus for any specific reason. If live classes cannot be held for these students, recorded lectures suffice and help them stay in line with their peers taking in-person classes.
- Remote working
Another consequence of the coronavirus pandemic was the rapid shift to remote work. While many companies have officially started calling their employees back to work, some believe a hybrid work model or a fully remote model works for them. Similarly, many companies now recruit their workforce from other countries. This allows workers living in developing countries to make more money than their peers, but it also allows these companies to expand their hunt for better talent. In essence, this has given rise to a culture of merit whereby skills are valued rather than credentials.
- Online businesses
The pandemic prompted many physical stores to shift to delivery mode, which helped them reach a wider audience and enabled them to grow excessively. Amazon grew during the pandemic, and so did many other e-commerce businesses. Many people started making a living through drop-shipping, and others launched their e-commerce ventures. The online marketplace was officially tapped during the pandemic when people started to prefer online shopping instead of physically visiting the markets. Even after people were vaccinated, the routines they developed stuck with them, and many continue to shop through online stores.
- Gadgets
There was a time when you needed a professional camera to capture good photos or to record good photographs. However, over the past decade, smartphone manufacturers have competed with each other to offer the best possible cameras and photography tools to their customers. This led to the emergence of the smartphone as the primary photography device. While professionals still use professional-grade tools for their work, hobbyists have been using their smartphones for amazing photography.
- Digital marketing
While conventional marketing practices are still in place, digital marketing is taking over the domain. Many factors have brought social media to the forefront as the main marketing tool for companies that wish to grow and individuals who wish to gain fame. Platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, and Medium offer opportunities for growth and self-promotion. They are also key instruments of digital marketing these days. Those who understand the dynamics of these platforms are in demand, leading to the emergence of social media as a serious career choice for young professionals.
- Warfare
Previously wars were fought on the battlefield, but now they are hybrid, with many countries across the world having the capacity to use cyberspace to launch attacks against others. Now and then, there are reports of a state or a group launching a cyberattack against the institutions of another state. This has brought cybersecurity to the forefront again. This has also led to a rise in demand for cybersecurity experts who can help thwart these attacks. Moreover, various states and even non-state actors persistently use technology as a tool to attack others. This could range from direct cyberattacks to information warfare through technological mediums.
The above-mentioned points illustrate how technology has taken over 2022. There are many other examples in other domains, including medicine, administrative services, etc. This trend is likely to accelerate in the future as technology evolves further and emerging problems are met with innovative solutions.
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