Do you ever think that there is an enormous gap between every upcoming generation comparing to the previous one? Things that did not exist 20 years ago are now inseparable parts of everyday life. Additionally, the gadgets we use routinely have changed our lives significantly. The same appliances, gadgets, devices have also changed the way we think, behave, and value our time and surroundings. This is a very short walk down memory lane.
Smart Phones and Apps
Smart phone is probably the biggest invention of our time, if you ask a person like you and me. It has become an extension of ourselves, so to speak. There is no walking out of the house without it. It keeps all our secrets, notes, favorite pics, etc. Apps that came along in time were a special addition to our already irreplaceable virtual friends. Nowadays, we use them to: navigate social media, to stream our favorite music, to find the best vacation rentals, to find a job, to order food delivery, to pay our bills, to keep track of our savings, and the list goes on and on…
Now, imagine the brain of a man 20 years ago who did not have all the resources at the palm of his hand. He had to dig for the information or to walk to the store to buy groceries. He had no other choice than to take some time to walk to the bank to pay his bills. Do you think he was more resourceful? Or, maybe even had stronger will power and better patience?
3D printers
The reason why we have put 3D printers on our list is because they can be used to save lives. It appears that at the beginning of the 21st century, it is all about survival. One of the both altruistic and profitable applications of 3D printing is in medical science. It is called bioprinting.
Confronted with the lack of donor organs, the scientists have recognized the possibilities of 3D printing. Bioprinters use a computer-guided pipette to layer living cells. We call those cells “bio-ink”. The cells which constitute tissue, blood vessels, etc. are then successively layered on top of one another. The result is an artificial living organ created in a laboratory.
The first case of artificial heart developed in this way was reported from Tel Aviv University. After this, the possibilities are immense. Although we have milestones to cross in mastering this skill and putting it into everyday use, the leap that we have taken as a humanity is unbelievable.
Technology is making our lives easier and more convenient. It pushes the boundaries and opens the never-before-seen opportunities. However, it also derails us from the path of building relationships. It impacts our behavior by moving kindness and face-to-face meetings out of the picture. It shapes our mental capacities and challenges our minds. Think about it and let us know your thoughts.