Defined, the online version of Merriam-Webster’s dictionary states:
Information superhighway: a telecommunications infrastructure or system (as of television, telephony, or computer networks) used for widespread and usually rapid access to information ; especially : internet – called also infobahn, information highway
function: noun
date: 1983
Twenty-six years later, I have come to the realization that the information superhighway is now embedded in every facet of our lives. Access to the information superhighway is not a luxury anymore – it exists as a framework to which we share and receive information with each other.
Here are my personal milestones from this year:
- my mom and I had our first Facebook twitter exchange today
- at my wedding this year, a photo during the wedding was published a few seconds later
- updating my status from single to married involved a few keystrokes on the mobile phone
- checking the balance on checking account can be done on the go: I can either call my bank and use their automated menu, or log in to their web site on my phone
- I can play Street Fighter with other people online, and also talk to them in real time
- I can drive around and receive audio notifications from my phone when there is a speed trap or camera-enforced stop light on an upcoming street intersection
- I can apply for a credit card online, print out a confirmation e-mail that has my account number, and use it the same day at a retail store
- I can create a calendar event, then share details of the event globally, including last-minute change notifications
Over the span of my lifetime, I should be able talk to my TV and say the word “buy”, then a product materializes inside my nano box, and thus completing a retail transaction from home. No transportation fees. No carbon emissions.
When I walk into my garage space, my vehicle will already have the motor running, seat and fasten a seatbelt over me automatically, and will ask me where I want to go.
When I have a cat, the pet door of our home will automatically let her in, even when I am not around. The pet door can also sense if my cat wants to go out of the house, and will let her out whenever she wants.
