Introduction
Today, everything is digital. From the clothes we wear to the cars we drive, our physical world is increasingly a digital one. Moreover, this is not just because of internet-connected devices like thermostats and home security cameras.
We are rapidly becoming more and more digitally immersed in every part of our lives. With new technologies emerging almost daily, it is not easy to know what the future holds for digital culture.
What innovations are on their way? Where will virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and other technologies take us next? This article explores the future of digital culture from several different angles and offers insight into where things are headed.
Virtual Reality: Where is it headed?
As it stands right now, virtual reality (VR) is a niche market. A few years ago, it was a trend that many predicted would dominate the next decade, but the technology and general excitement around VR have cooled a bit.
That is not to say that VR has no future at all, but rather that its future will look a bit different than many originally expected. The most significant question mark surrounding the future of VR is how it will be used.
VR has primarily been used in the gaming sector, but it is difficult to predict how popular it will be among the general public.
There are, of course, other applications for VR, like education and training, but it is unclear how they will be received.
With major players like Apple and Google investing in VR, it seems inevitable that it will remain a part of our technological landscape, but what form it takes and how popular it becomes remains to be seen.
AI and Machine Learning: What is next?
Artificial intelligence and machine learning are the cornerstones of our digital world. They allow us to communicate with each other remotely, manage our schedules, and create smart homes, among other things.
They are also growing and changing at an incredibly rapid pace. What is next for AI and ML? AI and ML are two completely different technologies, but they are also intrinsically linked.
AI is the technology that allows machines to think and solve problems in a human-like way.
On the other hand, ML is the computer programming language used to create AI. So what is next for these technologies? As it stands right now, AI is a bit limited. Current AI cannot match the cognitive ability of humans, and it is not likely that it ever will.
However, its limitations do not mean it is useless. Instead, it means that AI excels at specific tasks, like organizing schedules and booking travel. The next stage for AI and ML is to become more general-purpose.
Some experts think we are already at this stage, but many believe it is still years away. If we reach this next stage, AI and ML will grow incredibly powerful and helpful.
Augmented Reality Will Become Incredibly Sophisticated
Augmented reality (AR) has been popular for a few years now. From creating virtual pets to turning everyday objects into works of art, AR is fun and addictive.
Nevertheless, this technology, like many others, is quickly gaining sophistication. As the name suggests, augmented reality involves layering digital content over the natural world, which can be done through a smartphone app or unique computerized eyewear like the Microsoft Hololens.
With the rapid growth of computing power, this technology will become increasingly sophisticated. Not only will the technology that powers AR become more sophisticated, but it will also become more accessible.
With companies like Apple and Google working to bring AR to the mainstream, likely, everyone will soon be able to enjoy this technology.
Our physical world will be digital too.
Much of our physical world is currently paper-based. From artwork to architectural designs, our built environment is still primarily paper-based.
However, this is changing too. The digital design and architectural world are quickly becoming a reality, and it could completely change how we design and build the physical world.
As digital designs become more sophisticated, they will allow architects to collaborate with clients and contractors remotely, which could significantly impact the cost and scheduling of construction.
In addition, as engineers advance the technology that allows us to 3D print almost anything, we will be able to print out digital designs right in our homes which may sound far-fetched, but it could happen shortly.
Conclusion
As the world becomes increasingly digital, it is essential to stay informed about the latest technologies and advancements. The future holds many new and exciting innovations, from artificial intelligence to augmented reality.
By keeping an eye on the latest trends, you can stay informed and join in on the discussion about where digital culture will go next.
