Technology, among other things, has shrunk the world. This isn't surprising or a huge shock to anyone anymore. Conversing with people one has never met before, from a few cities away to the other side of the globe is normal. It's become as natural as talking to a neighbor, and in some ways for some people, it's easier. So, if such communication is so easy and the world has indeed shrunk to accommodate this, have the barriers that once inhibited it besides location shrunk as well? Have they just become a nuisance which is easily bypassed?
Most will say no. They are correct for the most part. For now.
But how long until those barriers - language and culture and beliefs and whatever else that makes people different- are broken completely or removed? How long until difference is eliminated or so small that it's overlooked? Perhaps it will be a good thing - no more contrast or conflict and no more ways to discriminate. No reasons for it if everyone is the same. But will that remove opinions completely, good or bad, and therefore remove free will and thought?
Perhaps I'm overreacting. Perhaps I read or watch too much science fiction. But, as appreciative of technology as I am, I am still wary of our growing dependence on it.
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