Contrary to what many futurists have predicted society would look like in 2050 and beyond, the future will likely feel more or less the same as today. Erik Hoel suggests that while we might have put a colony on Mars by 2050, gotten rid of physical stores, and accepted genetic engineering to avoid disease, society won’t drastically change technologically in 30 years. Technological advancements will be there, but so seamlessly integrated into our lives that it doesn’t feel like the radically-different future filled with hovering cars predicted by futurists. Read full article here
Societal Issues
To curb drug deaths, communities turn to Reddit, texts and wastewater
With drug overdose deaths on the rise, authorities are attempting to curb the epidemic by tracking and sharing information in real time. In one unique effort, a nonprofit in New York City is using drug-testing equipment and stamping or marking habits of dealers to identify drug batches that may endanger users. Other approaches are also being used, such as monitoring drug-related chatter on Reddit and analyzing local wastewater for opioid and other drug levels. With the combination of these efforts, researchers hope to put a dent in the opioid crisis and reduce overdose deaths. Read full article here
Merv
June 1, 2023
