Yesterday, I talked about the disturbing trend of guys pretty much ditching human companionship for robots and AI fantasies. But now, I switch the AI/robot revolution back to job loss. Because it even worries world leaders. Robots verses human jobs: Should we be concerned?
This is a hot topic at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. So you know their concern when they title their lecture, “Putting jobs out of work”. They talk about how IT support and technology play a critical part in jobs, of lack of them. It also plays a part in the global populist revolution (Brexit, Trump, rise of nationalism). However, even people on the other side are concerned too.? People on both sides of the political isle are afraid of losing not only their jobs, but their entire livelihoods to technology.
One person on the panel is Yuval Harari, an Israeli professor. He says that since the early 1800s, workers worried about machines taking their jobs. However, this time, workers may be right. Then, another panelist added by 2028, one third of Americans and German wage earners would have to find other careers. I find it funny they didn’t mention China or India, but okay. Another panelist,?Arlie Hochschild, says we are facing a crisis neither political side is prepared for. Dartmouth College professor Mary Flanagan even hints that the 9-5 job as we know it could be on the endangered species list.
The most venerable jobs are cashiers, retail, and even delivery services. We see that play out. This week, Amazon opened a store with no cashiers. Also, remember the protesters demanding minimum wage increases? Well, they are are seeing robots and computers replace their jobs too. Look at how Apple and other tech companies are building driverless cars. Let’s not even talk about drones. In a few years, delivery drivers and couriers may be history. But is any occupation safe? I doubt it. Because even now, hospitals are replacing nurses with robots. In fact, not even the clergy are safe. Not only are less people going to church, but there is an app for that. With the Confession app, you can confess your sins to the computer.
I can go on and on with other examples. You probably can too. Even us in computer repair think about it. I’m jut glad the Worle Economic Forum discusses it. It gives validity to this. Where will we be by 2030? Robots verses human jobs: Who will win by 2030?
The Sex Robot Craze: Enough Is Enough! Really! may contain inappropriate content for young and sensitive readers. I advise reader discretion.
So we worry about robots taking our jobs. However, there is an even greater social threat. It’s the sex robot craze: Enough is enough! Really!
So unfortunately, the sex robot craze is all many people are talking about. For instance, the jokes and talks are all over my Facebook page. Also, people are paying thousands of dollars for these things. Yes, I called them things, not people, because that’s what they are. But one adult website is taking it even a step further. CamSoda now has a VIRP system. This system allows you to fulfill a sexual fantasy using VR and, you guessed it, robots.
However, this will cost you over $1,500. One spokesperson of CamSoda believes this will give guys the ultimate real-life fantasy. The Real Doll robots will mimic real models. With the VR put on, this will make the guy think he really is making love with a real model. Perhaps it’s a woman so pretty that he has no chance of dating or marrying in the real world. So he turns to this fantasy world. These bots even have the movements to make such fantasies even more real.
And this is why I say to the sex robot craze: Enough is enough! Really! I always brag about how computer servicing and IT support helps people. And it does. But this is going too far. If we can use technology to promote this perversion, then we can use it to help people look for real, meaningful relationships with real human beings. Thank goodness some websites are doing that. Isn’t the human race fractured and cynical enough? Aren’t men and women cynical and mistrusting of each other enough in these late 2010s? Maybe that’s the problem. With all the news and scandals and divisions now, maybe men and women mistrust each other so much they’re turning to these things. And maybe CamSoda is just supplying a sick demand. Is the sex robot craze really about technology? Or is something deeper going on?
So I took a bus ride a few weeks ago. I had to show ID. The driver scanned the ticket to make sure it was real. He also scanned my ID for authenticity. We can thank IT support start-up Confirm.io for that. But now, Facebook Acquires Confirm.io.
Confirm.io has their headquarters in Boston, MA. It’s just a few miles from our computer service shop. It offers API (application performance interference) technology to companies checking to see if people’s IDs are real. For example, a bars use Confirm.io to check if the ID is real, weeding out the fake IDs. Or if you have an e-ticket, and need your ID, they can check to see if you’re really you. But why does Facebook need it?
First of all, it will help Facebook users locked out of their accounts get back in. A Facebook spokesperson also said Confrim.io will keep their site safe. Some experts say it could confirm your ID if you’re locked out of your own account. This can prevent hackers from coming on your page. I don’t know how much this merge cost. But we Confirm.io is a rising player in the tech world. In fact, they raised millions in venture capital. And with the rise of ID technology, well…
However, Facebook acquires Confirm.io could be a mistake on Confirm.io’s part. Here is why. Because they can contribute so much more to so many more companies on their own. Facial ID technology is so huge right now. In fact, iPhone X will only work with facial ID recognition. Then you have others who either depend or will depend on face ID in the near future. If I were Confirm.io, I would stretch myself out. I would not tie myself to just one company. And they weren’t exactly struggling. Because in one recent year alone, they raised over $4 million in venture capital alone. Then there were the other opportunities. What would you do if you ran Confirm.io?
So let me ask you something. When you think on The Last Mile, do you think of executions? In fact, IT support rarely comes to mind. Maybe it should because this last mile is an inspiring one.
This The Last Mile teaches prison inmates to code. It started at California’s infamous San Quentin. It started in 2012. But soon afterwards, it took off to five other prisons. Two of them are women’s prisons. This programs teaches prisoners tech skills, like coding and web design. It also teaches them other entrepreneur skills. So when they get out, they can either get good jobs, or even start their own business.? This program is so successful it’s going elsewhere.
I say this because Indiana Women’s Prison wants to use it. The request came from their governor, Eric J. Holcomb.? Governor Holcomb believes it will transform lives in his state. He also believes it will help out Indiana’s tech and IT service sector. I don’t know about you, but when I think of tech savvy states, Indiana doesn’t come to mind right now. I mean no disrespect by that. It will start in Indiana in April 2018 and with 24 inmates. Hopefully, the interest will expand. It might already be, because be 2023, The Last Mile should expect to 50 prisons.
Not only do I hope,but I hope they expand to more. I say this because tech skills are more important than ever. Furthermore, stats say the majority of prisoners often end up back there before too long. Let’s stop that statistic. Let’s teach more inmates about all things computer repair, whether it’s coding, web design, and business owning.? This way, they can create jobs and open the economy up for other Americans. I hope this takes off like wildfire. Whoever thought in 2018 America that a blue state and red state could agree on anything?
Well, the CES (Consumer Electronics Show) is in Las Vegas this year. So they will showcase all things IT service and technology. There are also more showcases? this year. CES 2018: Could this one be the best CES ever?
Robot technology and AI are common themes. I like The Root. It’s a robot that teaches kids to code. Furthermore, it teaches them through Spiro drawings. It’s kind of reminds me of this 1960s commercial. But this machine includes a white board eraser and USB-C port. It moves kinda like a Roomba. It should be available later this year and will cost around $200. However, let’s say you like your robots big, heavy and running. Then Furrion has what you’re looking for. Because they’re displaying their?Prosthesis. This machine requires a driver inside the thing to run it. It can also go around 20 MPH. Did I mention it weighs over 8,000 pounds? Try to imagine what dinosaurs were like some 70 million years ago.
Obviously, there is a lot more to CES 2018 than just robot technology. I say this because there is some drama unfolding. Google CES failed to open today. We can blame it on the Las Vegas rain, literally. Google’s booth was outdoor and two levels big (we’re talking about Google, here). But they couldn’t handle the rain. Google people say they also shut it down because of customer safety, especially around parking lots. This monstrous display should be ready tomorrow. You know Google hopes so.
What I like about CES 2018, and all of these shows, that it gives the little guys a chance. They can shine here just as much as Google, Apple or Amazon. That’s what is beautiful about computer repair and technology. I’m especially rooting for The Root. In order for Americans to thrive in the next generation, then we need these kids to be tech savvy. Maybe The Root helps do that.? What is your favorite CES 2018 display so far?
Over the years, IT service made our lives really good. However, there are times I wonder, does it make our life too easy? I ask this because Amazon’s Alexa can now operate your microwave. Alexa and your microwave: When is enough enough?
I’m reading some reports that say, “Alexa learns to cook”. But don’t let that quote fool you. Alexa isn’t trying to be the next Rachel Ray or Julia Child. It’s just trying to see how it can work with microwaves. In fact, Amazon wants Alexa to microwave for you. They’re already teaming up with Whirlpool, bringing this voice tool to their 2017 made microwaves, . Of course, all this is according to insiders.
However, let’s just assume this is true and this is bound to happen. If so, then all you have to say is, “Alexa, defrost this steak for five minutes”. It will do it. And all you will have to say is, “Alexa, microwave this TV dinner for three minutes”, or “Alexa, heat up this coffee for one minute”. It will do it. The only thing it won’t do is put your food/drink in the microwave for you. Some things you have to do for yourself.
So this is where I draw the line. I know Amazon is trying to move Alexa to the kitchen. But doing stuff it only takes seconds for human beings to do? I’ve seen people, even those in computer repair,??embrace this thing.? For example, they’ll tell Alexa to look up their favorite song. Keep in mind the song is already on the top of their play list. If Alexa wants to be a help in the kitchen, then let it wash those stubborn pots and pans. I can microwave my food by my own doggone self. So a relationship between Alexa and? your microwave is one I think I will do without. When is enough enough?
