How can we evolve through virtual augmentation - Coursework Example

How can we evolve through virtual augmentation INTRODUCTION Human beings are considered the most brainy and creative creatures among all living things on the planet. According to Michael & Washburn (2004), a section of the human brain keeps evolving, and that explains the reasons behind the developments and inventions that are made each day. Technology has changed the lives of people as well as the environment among other living things. It keeps changing, and people were forced to keep up with new technological advancements that come up. Human beings have always had the desire to create creatures that are similar to them and those with the same abilities as them. Although several attempts to do this, have failed, more attempts have made with the hope that someday it will be a success. Human evolution is a process that may not be necessarily physically evident, but its outcome can be seen. Computers have facilitated the evolution of artificial life and several improvements have been made to create human duplicates. Computers have been used to create creatures that can be used perform tasks that are similar to those performed by human beings. These inventions have not only had an impact on human beings but on nature as well, (Michael & Washburn, 2004). Human evolution is a natural process that is passed from one generation to another, and each generation always comes up with its new inventions that are more complex those of previous generations. EVOLUTION OF THE HUMAN BRAIN Michael & Washburn (2004) outlines that technology is an improvement that is made on an already existing idea. Technology has greatly improved the intellectual and physical capability of human beings and has changed their lives, as well. The evolution of mankind has also changed people's attitudes, perceptions, and even lifestyle. For instance, life during the 18th century is very different from that of the 20th and 21st century. The main reason for this is because of people's needs, taste, and preference keep changing as the result of innovations and developments. According to Michael & Washburn (2004), Change in worldviews is also evidence that mankind keeps evolving. In the ancient period, people always understood that they had a role to play in the society and everything they did was for the community. A child belonged to the community, and it was, therefore, the responsibility of every member of the community to take care of them. However, in the current society, individualism is the way of life and people seek to develop themselves rather than the society as a whole. Evolution keeps taking place and every development comes with its own pros and cons. Science fiction also has a role to play in man's evolution, and most innovations and inventions are attributed to science fiction. Science fiction has brought out the creativity in mankind as it prompted them to carry out experiments to prove the scientific concepts. In the process of carrying out these experiments, many other discoveries have been made some, which have been beneficial, and some harmful to mankind. Science Fiction mainly seeks to explain the Mysteries behind natural occurrences and scientist base their theories on fiction. Religion also has an important role to play in the society, and the individual that does not believe in science rely on religion to solve these mysteries (Michael & Washburn, 2004). Merging human with technology Technology improves human performance in all aspects that make work easier and efficient. Corporations that have made the best use of technology have gained a competitive advantage as technology has improved productivity and improved their workforce. Technology has become part of human life, and we cannot fail to acknowledge the changes that it has brought. Technology clearly proves the progressive evolution of the human brain and the impact that this evolution has on the environment. Corporations have been forced to adapt to the emerging technologies so as to survive in the very competitive world. Technology is inevitable, and companies should ensure that they are flexible enough to adapt to emerging technologies. Machines replacing humans According to Michael & Washburn, (2004) machines are now taking up the tasks that humans used to perform and their efficiency has rendered humans effort unnecessary. Machines are fast, accurate, and can perform repetitive tasks without experiencing fatigue. These abilities have made computers more preferable to work with, and corporate organizations have been the main beneficiaries as computers have reduced the cost of hiring so many people. The main disadvantage of this replacement is that it has increased the rate of unemployment. This replacement has affected families as their breadwinners can be laid off work hence leading to increasing in crime and poverty. Machines Working Together With Humans It is important for human effort to be combined with that of machines as the two have different abilities. For instance, machines have these properties, but there are tasks that it cannot perform, For instance, humans have the emotional intelligence that computers lack and combining this intelligence with the computer abilities will ensure that success is achieved. For machines to work they must be programmed by humans, it is, therefore, necessary for the two to understand each other and their roles. Michael & Washburn (2004) outline that an interaction of humans with computers has made humans evolve and become more intelligent. Shift from Virtual augmentations to Reality Human beings have found the need to come up with innovations that are more realistic and applicable to human life. For instance, shoppers can use their phones to do their shopping from any place in the world. This way virtual shopping has been improved to ensure that shoppers can see the items that they intend to purchase. The need to make inventions more realistic was mainly caused by competition and change in the needs of individuals. Technology is dynamic in nature, and the more realistic an invention is, then the more customers are attracted to it. Michael & Washburn (2004) outline that demand of products changes as a result of emerging technologies. Advantages of virtual augmentation as a result of human evolution Human evolution through virtual augmentation has brought about technology that has enabled humans to connect with their environment. Communication has been enhanced as people across continents can communicate without difficulty. Communication has been made faster unlike before when one would post a letter, and it would take a month to get to the recipient. Emails and phone calls are now the fastest way of communication, and the enhancement of communication has made the world a global village (Michael & Washburn, 2004). The education sector has also been the main beneficiary of the inventions and innovations that have been made over the years. As a result of technology, many people have been able to gain access to education and this has reduced the illiteracy levels worldwide. Reading materials come in different formats and versions that suit students at all levels of education. The internet has been a boost to the education sector as it provides information on all fields of study. It has also created an avenue for students to share and exchange useful ideas. This exchange of information has led to more inventions that have improved human life. Through the internet, students are able to keep track of the emerging issues in different parts of the world and make comparisons with their countries. According to Michael & Washburn (2004), the technology of augmented reality has made distance learning possible as students are able to communicate with their instructors without necessarily having to attend physical lectures. The military also makes good use of human inventions as they use technology to ensure that they are on high alert. For instance, soldiers are able to goggle the state of the battlefield from anywhere. Soldiers are able to navigate different areas at one time, and this makes it difficult for the enemy to catch them by surprise. Technology is very crucial to the military as a country's security mainly depends on it. They ensure that they are aware of any emerging technologies that will enhance the security of the country. This shows that all individuals benefit in one way or another from emerging technologies. The sports and entertainment industry is in existence because of technology, and it requires players in this sector to keep up with technology. In many occasions, cameras are used to ensure that the audiences get a clear view of the event at hand. Competition has also been very high in the entertainment industry. Business people can only achieve success if they are quick and flexible enough to adapt to new technology. This industry is among those that mainly depend on technology to survive in this extremely competitive world. Humans are very creative, and they ensure that they make use of technology to make their lives more comfortable. Disadvantages Technology has disadvantages too, and it is mainly to blame for many problems in the society. Michael & Washburn (2004) outline that every phase of evolution comes with its own problems. For instance, the invention of television and computers has corrupted the morals of the society as children can access pornographic materials. Fast foods and new methods of food preservations have also caused diseases such as obesity and even cancer. There has also been a big increase in the digital divide which has led to an imbalance in the society. The rich are becoming richer and the poor poorer mainly because the poor countries lack the capability to adapt to new technologies and this makes them lag behind. Brain drain has also increased the digital divide because individuals opt to go and work in other countries rather than benefit their own country. The impact of the digital divide is felt by both rich and poor because the poor become dependent on the rich. Technological advancements have also led to increasing in crime because criminals also make use of technology to carry out their activities. For instance, cybercrime is the most common of crime and criminals make a fortune from it. Such instances bring out the negative impacts of technology on humans. Technology has also increased unemployment rates hence leading to increasing in crime. In conclusion, the human brain has the capacity to adapt to its environment, and this explains why human beings are fast to adapt new technologies. Every generation comes up its own unique innovation that becomes more obsolete with time forcing more inventions to be made. Human evolution has its pros and cons and both must be understood so as to ensure that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. The man has made several attempts come up with innovations that make life easier and more innovations, will be made that people must adapt. References Michael, L, & Washburn. (2004). Development of Augmented Reality, New York: State University Press. Read More