Electronic Communication

In the next 25 years, there will be no significant advances in the technologies of electronic communication. This is not to say that the face of information transfer will not be completely transfigured, for it will; but simply to emphasize the fact that the changes will involve the development and dissemination of existing technology rather than the creation ab initio of new concepts in communication.

The potential of electronic communication is inherently limited: human beings have only five senses, and three of the five are not used in normal message transfer. The senses of smell and taste require chemical stimulation. And although "reach out and touch someone" is a famous slogan, it is only a metaphor. The technology already exists for the two senses we rely on for communication, and that is the technology we will be using in 2008.

There will, however, be a massive transformation of our communications systems. Within the next 25 years, we will see a comprehensive interconnected system of two-way audio, video, and electronic data communication. Everything will be wired.

Imagine that it is 2008, and allow me to guide you through my day. A few keystrokes at my bedside not only silence my alarm, but also reprogram a small kitchen appliance to brew tea instead of coffee. By the time I am dressed, my home computer has not only successfully guided the electronic appliances in preparing my breakfast, but has also prepared the morning mail for viewing. After responding quickly to some of it, and storing the rest for later consideration, I catch the bus to work. On the way, I browse through the latest issue of my favorite newsmagazine. Electronically, of course. I read a favorable review of a new recording of Beethoven's Sixth, and decide to get a copy. My order is immediately (the bus has a short-range transmitter; receivers linked to the communications network are located under the street) sent to the local distributor. The digital recording is sent directly to my home, where the computer stores it away, and the cost is deducted from my bank account. After finishing my magazine, I send off an order for groceries, shut down my terminal, and chat with the person sitting next to me.

I am interrupted by a videophone call from an associate in another location. She sends me a copy of the report I need. After browsing through it, I send it to my office to be printed. I then decide to go visit a friend in another city. Before getting off the bus, I buy my train ticket.

Once on the train, I reconnect to the data network. I call my office and announce that I will be joining the afternoon meeting via video. Then, just to be safe, I reprogram the emergency call utility on my home computer with my destination instead of my office. Since I have a fairly long train ride, I take the time to catch up on a session of my computer repair class which I missed. For amusement, I download a copy of the latest video game (again, the bank gets electronic authorization to pay the manufacturer). When I get tired of playing, I send the game home for storage.

After visiting my friend, I glance through the afternoon mail, and then join the meeting at my office. On the way home, I answer the letters I had stored at breakfast and note the reminder I left myself to pick up the groceries.

At home, after preparing dinner and watching the evening news, I reprogram the emergency caller with the number of the friends I will be visiting this evening. And now, if you and they will excuse me, I have just been called by my dishwasher. It appears to have sprung a leak, and is busy flooding the kitchen.