Machines v humans as top users of the internet

Machines v humans as top users of the internet

As of today, there are close to 900 million humans using the www and the internet covers the globe. If humans continue to remain the principal net surfers, this number will double and do so at a rapid rate. However, technological experts feel that, apart from humans, billions of internet users would be machines in the coming decades to replace or reduce some of the things that human internet users currently do and also take things one step further.

If predictions of the UN's telecommunications agency, International Telecommunication Union (ITU), come true, in the future technological advancements would reach such a level that refrigerators will be capable of communicate with grocery stores, washing machines with clothing, and vehicles with stationary or moving objects; all without human intervention.

This as machines would possibly replace humans as the largest users of the internet in an era resplendent with electronic sensors, smart homes, and tags that track users' movements and habits.

Presenting a report titled "Internet of Things", the ITU gives us a brief peek into the possible technological changes in times to come wherein humans, electronic gadgets, inanimate beings and databases might be connected by means of drastically superior internet properties. Things are likely become so scientific that one even won't need to power up a computer.

According to the report, what is presently being considered as science fiction might well be a reality in the future as lifeless objects could perhaps assume human traits thanks to novel technological advancements.

In fact, chances are the objects like electronic devices become the predominant net users with humans confined to merely being generators and receivers of traffic.

Miniature radio frequency RFID electronic tags which permit instant recognition and tracking, and new sensor technology is possibly the starting point of this latest technological revolution in store. The report also mentioned existing computer-controlled household appliances and cars with collision avoidance systems under development now as signs of things to come.

Some futuristic thoughts include the usage of mobiles as electronic train tickets. Courtesy miniaturized, more authoritative computing capacity, industrialized items are also likely to become increasingly "intelligent" by gaining sovereignty and astuteness. Not only that, "even particles and 'dust' might be tagged and networked", according to the ITU.

On a one hand as there would be a boom in most sectors from health to entertainment, ITU also cautioned of the demerits, specifically regarding privacy matters. The report concludes that while technological intervention has become a must, it is vital that the human core of our activities continue to remain intact.