Nerds 2.0.1: Networking
the Nerds
In a wired world, changes happen at lightning speed. The Internet
itself has changed, and with it so has business, communication, technology and
social architectures.
When the Internet was first invented, the “nerds” who invented it
had a very modest view on how it will operate the power it will carry. These
same nerds questioned the possibility and the likelihood of success for online
businesses. Clearly, they couldn’t have been more wrong.
Today, ecommerce is booming and nearly everything you need to get
done can be made easier with a few Internet searches. A current example of this
is Real Estate- this week media outlets have spotlighted a revolution in the
house buying process. Now, prospect homebuyers can go online and take virtual
tours of homes.
This is incredibly facinating. Purchasing a home is one of the most
important investments an individual makes in their life. Now, with the Internet, buyers can make investment decisions without stepping foot out of the house. This inescapable movement towards a virtual
imaginary begs the question of whether everything will become virtual? What are the
limits of achieving a fully virtual world?
I propose there are none. Of course, nothing will ever be able to
replace authentic physical experience, but there are no limits as to what can
be mimicked in a virtual setting. Since the time of this video, the Internet
has come a long way. It has woven itself into every facet of our world,
influencing and transforming assemblages of culture, economy and policy.
I believe that we are entering a completely virtual world. Can you imagine a world without paper money? This is, in my opinion, one of the largest transitions to virtual we may see to date. As we have witnessed, the penny is no longer produced or circulated in Canada. There has been talk that each coin, and eventually paper bill will also be phased out. Eventually, transactions will be completely virtual, without the option to pay with ‘cash’. According to a Harvard paper, there are various other benefits to abolishing paper currency.
ReplyDeleteAlthough, I agree that there are many benefits to this virtual shift, I believe that there are also limitations associated. In my opinion, the largest effect would be an increase in the unemployed. If so many of these transactions are replaced by the Internet, what happens to everyone who currently performs these tasks as careers? For example, as you mentioned the new capabilities of real estate sites, if we are able to tour and purchase homes online without setting foot in them, then the demand for real estate agents would decrease and many would be without a career. Of course there would be in increase in demand for workers with computer/technical abilities, but I don’t believe that there would be enough to accommodate everyone who needs a job.
Harvard article Re: Abolishing Paper Currency
https://www.cryptocoinsnews.com/financial-times-kenneth-rogoff-time-phase-paper-money/
I agree, I don’t believe the virtual world can overcome real life experience; however technology has become so popular in the business world because of the quickness and efficiency of completing tasks online. The competitive capitalist market has caused competitors to innovate and expand their company online. An example of this can be found through banking. Banking online saves people a lot more time than physically going to the bank to pay bills or make transfers. The luxury of e-banking saves clients a lot of time. Once one bank expands its business online; there is a pressure for its competitors to match its innovations or else they risk the loss of business and capital.
ReplyDelete