Technology has changed incredibly fast. I grew up with dial-up internet, simple mobile phones, and film cameras. Today, AI can write, draw, and help solve complex problems.
So what will technology look like in 20 years?
I don’t dream about flying cars. I think we’ll simply make today’s technology even smarter. Artificial intelligence will probably become an everyday assistant, quietly (I hope!) helping us with work, learning, cooking, and solving problems. Hopefully, it will give us more time to spend with the people we love instead of taking that time away.
As someone renovating an old farmhouse, I’d also love to see homes that practically take care of themselves. Imagine walls that monitor moisture before mold appears, heating systems that use only the energy you truly need, or windows that automatically adjust to keep your home comfortable all year round.
But if I’m honest, I’m also a little worried about the future.
I’m afraid we’ll spend more and more of our lives binge-watching AI-generated shows, eating artificial food, and becoming so glued to our screens that we forget how to enjoy the simple things.
I’m also concerned that if we hand all our problem-solving over to AI, we’ll gradually stop thinking for ourselves. Just like any other skill, our ability to reason, create, and solve problems gets stronger when we use it. If we let AI do all the thinking, we risk becoming less curious, less creative, and less capable over time.
I don’t want a future where computers create everything while we simply consume it.
I want a future where technology quietly helps us with the boring tasks, leaving us more time to grow vegetables, watch deer wander through the garden, paint, bake bread, share meals with family, and appreciate the beauty of nature. Those are the moments that make life meaningful.
Technology should support our lives—not replace them.
What piece of technology do you think we’ll all be using in 20 years?
Ilze
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I also think there could be such a thing as too much technology, even though some are very helpful. I believe there’s already “heating systems that use only the energy you truly need, or windows that automatically adjust to keep your home comfortable all year round.”
I would say – there are, but is it afordable 🙂 Sometimes I think there is way too much technology already!
Lovely photos, Ilze! I like using Instagram and have seen teachers wanting to kick AI out of the classroom and return to the kind of schooling I had back in the 60s and 70s. They say, and I agree that, AI is making these kids dumber. They don’t learn any Critical Thinking at all when the machine does it for them. It’s sickening and very dangerous. 😭
Critical thinking has become even more important in the age of AI, not less. If schools can teach that…
How do you think schools should adapt? Should they ban AI completely, or teach students how to use it responsibly?
Great answers. I heard through my nephew whose children have gone to school in 3 countries, that the US does not teach critical thinking compared to the two European countries they have lived in. Worrying! There are schools here who are taking away iPads from the classroom and going back to pencil and paper. But as to what I think/hope will be around? Cheap, affordable energy for homes that doesn’t destroy the planet – wishful thinking!!
Oh, that would be great, but question – who would be interested in creating that? No iPads in our schools 🙂
Absolutely! AI is going to be here for a while and there is a huge possibility of it making us overly dependent on technology. Well written! Great pictures btw!
Thank you! Somehow I’m dependent on technology – simple appliances, but still 🙂 Not washing cloth like my grandmother… or cleaning floors like my mother… phones, computers, internet.. If taken away… not sure what will happen. I have books 🙂
I believe we are as humans we are resilient as we are innovative so I wouldn’t worry about it. I’m sure we’ll find a way to do chores and entertain ourselves. 😄
My kids non’t like doing chores… I would say i’m getting tired asking, teaching and explaining 🙂 Not sure they know what to do without internet 🙂
I hear changing the wifi password is effective with that 😆. When the chores are done they can get to use the wifi.
Won’t work, they have mobile net in the phones – unlimited, comes with the plan 🙂
Oh thats a tough one. I guess good old tough love is needed then. Can’t have them walking all over you.
They don’t walk all over me—they’re just sneaky sometimes. 😊 They really are lovely girls, believe me. I just wish I had a few extra housekeepers, cooks, and gardeners around the house! Kids aren’t dogs; they’re not meant to obey and repeat commands. They’re supposed to think for themselves, even if that occasionally drives us parents a little crazy.
Do you have kids?
Fair enough. No I am perpetually single lol
😊 When I was single, I was convinced all kids were spoiled brats! Funny how that changes once you have children of your own and you’re the one trying to raise them. It definitely gives you a whole new perspective! 😄
It certainl looks like that. Time will tell hehe
Agreed!