iLove, iLimber, iLaugh – iLife? iLove it
If only my dog knew how to put the kettle on
Sitting in the pub the other day with a group of friends, conversation turned to how quickly the years have gone by. One of my friends even reminisced, “Remember when we were all at school and people said that by the time we got into the ‘noughties’ we’d be controlled by robots and driving flying cars”.
We all, of course, laughed at how ludicrous this seemed but I got to thinking, were the creators of these films and theories really that far off from the truth?
We’re not quite at the level of ‘iRobot’ or ‘Surrogates’ just yet. Robots haven’t taken over as servants and occasionally we all still need to leave the house at some point, but I’m not convinced us mere mortals are as independent sans technology as we think.
For example, the pub get together that sparked this very topic was organised entirely on Facebook, and it definitely seems that any debate/argument can be solved entirely with Google, Wikipedia or an iPhone Application.
As I write this, I have Facebook loaded on another window. It is my birthday in two weeks time, and I have decided to get all my friends together for a nice meal – the done thing now is to create an event on Facebook and send out e-invites.
My boyfriend has now messaged me three times on the event – he has confirmed he will be attending my birthday, sent me a link to a funny picture and asked me a question the ‘chat’ application.
The question was would you like a cup of tea?
He’s sat right behind me.
It has to be said, it’s easier than calling them all individually; back and forth to arrange a venue then confirming one by one. It also saves listening to excuses from people who don’t really want to come anyway.
In order to decide where to go, I have checked google for good restaurants in my area, had a look at the online reviews and even provisionally booked a table – all online. This is whilst moving my laptop from room to room, due to my wireless connection.
Once I do leave the house, my gym is operated entirely by a key system, my car has a screen so in theory I don’t to look behind me.
I can bluetooth my iPod to my in-car stereo so there are no plugs or wires; my backseat passengers can even watch DVD’s for the journey which have, of course, been ordered and downloaded on iTunes.
The ever-expanding nature of Twitter means I may never again be left wondering what the people I know - and those I don’t – are having for lunch or doing in the bathroom. Ever major store now has an online purchasing method which is generally cheaper than being in store. In theory I may never have to join a queue in the Saturday throng of shoppers again. Even Customer Service sites are starting to operate an Instant Messaging service instead or calling them and waiting in the hold queue with that awful porn-music.
Even the gym is questionable, with WiiFit, and its ever increasing number od add-ons and peripherals.
It’s changed where and how we work, how we access our research and how we stay in tune with the day’s events. We’re being taught via the recession and moneysaving websites to stay on top of our finances so logic dictates we’ll access the free news content rather than buying out copy of the Daily Sport in the morning.
Libraries continue to fall redundant to our needs and online dating, virtual goods and second lives mean the prospect of never leaving the house again ain’t all that ridiculous. Hang on while I order a pizza.
Maybe the idea of never leaving the house again, isn’t all that ridiculous and even slightly appealing.
Now if only my dog knew how to put the kettle on.
