Cortada J.W. Living with Computers: The Digital World of Today and Tomorrow

Springer, 2020. — 126 p. — ISBN: 978-3-030-34361-3.The computing technology on which we are now so dependent has risen to its position of ascendency so rapidly that few of us have had the opportunity to take a step back and wonder where we are headed. This book urges us to do so.
Taking a big-picture perspective on digital technology, Living with Computers leads the reader on a whistle-stop tour of the history of information and information technology. This journey culminates in a deep exploration into the meaning and role of computers in our lives, and what this experience might possibly mean for the future of human society – and the very existence of humanity itself.
In the face of the transformative power of computing, this book provokes us to ask big questions. If computers become integrated into our bodies, merging with the information processing of our very DNA, will computing help to shape the evolution of biological life? If artificial intelligence advances beyond the abilities of the human brain, will this overturn our anthropocentrism and lead to a new view of reality? Will we control the computers of the future, or will they control us?
These questions can be discomforting, yet they cannot be ignored. This book argues that it is time to reshape our definition of our species in the context of our interaction with computing. For although such science-fiction scenarios are not likely to happen any time soon – and may, in fact, never happen – it is nevertheless vital to consider these issues now if we wish to have any influence over whatever is to come. So, humans, let’s confront our possible destiny!
For well over half the human race, it has become nearly impossible to go through a full day without encountering computers. Most other humans, too, are subject to the same reality, just that they might not realize it. Three-fourths of the world is now connected (or has access if they want) to the Internet. In many societies, we see most people between the ages of 12 and 60 clutching smartphones, which are really computers that also happen to be telephones. It is not uncommon in the United States for 3- and 4-year-olds to have their favorite websites. Surveillance technologies track and identify people walking the streets of cities all over the world, while GPS records where people are 24 hours a day. All of this happened so fast—essentially in less than one generation—yetincrementally with new dependencies on computing technology introduced into our lives literally almost on a monthly or yearly basis that we forget how much changed. It happened so fast that we have not had an opportunity to step back to understand what computing means to humanity’s existence and yet humans are an introspective species that likes to think about things.
If you are between the ages of, say, 25 and 50, this is a survival guide for you. If you are between the ages of 51 and roughly 75, it is a fun read and useful for giving you meaning that enhances your sense of self-worth, if older, a glimpse at what your grandchildren are about to experience, a peek at the arc of your family’s future—it is why you want to be old enough to dance at your granddaughter’s wedding. If you are under 25, well, this is about your future, but I realize you will probably only read this if a professor, older relative, or your manager puts it in front of you and insists that you devote a couple of hours meeting your future. Nobody will be more affected by what is in this book than your generation.What Is Computing?
How Did We Get Here?
Early Views of Computing
How People View Computing Today
How We Might See the End of the Information Age
Life in a Post-information Age Era?
Is It the End of Our World? How to Think About Implications and Challenges
How to Live with Computers