The Hype Train Never Stops: Why Technological “Revolutions” Are Just Part of the Ride
Introduction
Every few years, a new technology bursts onto the scene, promising to revolutionize life as we know it. Remember when blockchain was going to solve world hunger, cure cancer, and make your coffee just right each morning? Now it’s AI’s turn to wear the “savior of humanity” cape.
But while we’re busy planning ticker-tape parades for each new innovation, the world keeps spinning on its axis of steady progress. Our modern world isn’t built on revolutions; it’s built on evolution. And that evolution depends on these so-called revolutions being just another stop on the endless journey of innovation.
Historical Perspective
Let’s take a trip down memory lane. Remember the iPhone launch? Or when Deep Blue beat Kasparov and we all thought Skynet was imminent?
These moments were groundbreaking, but they didn’t single-handedly revolutionize everything overnight. Expecting one innovation to change the world is like expecting one great song to define a decade. Sure, it’s impactful, but it’s the collective body of work that shapes the era.
Technologies like CRISPR, MRI machines, and satellites have all had their moment in the sun, promising to upend our lives and propel us into the future. And they have — but not in a single, earth-shattering leap.
Continuous Progress
Let’s look at some data.
Here are two charts: one showing US GDP and the other US expected lifespan. Notice anything?
Both are on a steady rise, with no sudden jumps from any single innovation. Think of it like cooking a slow-cooked meal. Each ingredient adds to the flavor, but it takes time to create the perfect dish.
Factors Influencing Steady Progress
So, what’s the secret sauce to our continuous progress? Constant development.
Like a well-oiled machine, each new technology is a cog that keeps things moving forward. Innovations don’t spread overnight. It’s like planting a tree; you won’t get shade immediately, but with time, you’ll have a beautiful canopy.
We humans are creatures of habit. Adapting to new tech takes time, just like convincing your grandma to use a smartphone. Each new development — whether it’s AI, blockchain, or the latest smartphone — adds to our collective progress bit by bit. The ripple effects of these innovations take time to permeate through society, influencing various sectors gradually and steadily.
I remember when Google Glass was supposed to be the next big thing. I even saw a guy wearing them at a restaurant, looking like he was auditioning for a low-budget sci-fi film. Spoiler alert: we’re not all walking around with computers on our faces… yet.
Expectation of Innovation
Our society thrives on the expectation of innovation. It’s like eagerly awaiting the next season of your favorite show. The anticipation drives excitement and progress. Think of it as a relay race. Each innovation passes the baton to the next, ensuring a continuous and steady journey towards progress.
We’ve built a culture where the next big thing is always just around the corner. This perpetual anticipation not only fuels investment and development but also sets a steady pace for societal and economic advancements. It’s the collective mindset of looking forward that propels us, not the individual bursts of innovation.
And in Conclusion
Technological advancement is less like a revolutionary fireworks display and more like a massive, ongoing game of Jenga. Each innovation is a new block, carefully placed to build our tower of progress higher. It’s not about one showstopping move, but the steady stacking of improvements that keeps the whole structure reaching skyward. And unlike Jenga, when this tower wobbles, we don’t start over — we just keep building, learning from each shaky placement.
So the next time AI promises to write the great American novel or blockchain swears it’ll solve the mystery of who let the dogs out, remember: it’s all just part of the ride.
An Exception
Do you know what technology is an exception to all of this and is truly revolutionary? The ability to quickly and easily like, comment, and follow when you read something online that you liked enough to make it to the very end. Such engagement dramatically extends the reach that the social algorithm overlords allot for the article! Truly a miracle.
Perhaps there is a button you wish to smash, eh?
Copyright 2024 by Michael Bagalman
