Transforming the World into a Global Village Through Technology
Written on
Chapter 1: The Vision of a Global Village
In 1962, the media theorist Marshall McLuhan foresaw that advancements in technology would create a global village. He posited that the era of individualistic print culture would be supplanted by 'electronic interdependence,' where electronic media would transition society from a focus on visual culture to one rooted in aural/oral communication. This shift, he suggested, would foster a transformation from individualism and fragmentation to a cohesive collective identity known as the global village.
However, the question arises: how can we forge this collective identity when access to our global neighborhoods is still dictated by our origins? We find ourselves in a world filled with myriad collective identities, shaped by the value we place on our birthplace. The disparity in internet access and the unequal nature of borders complicate our collective existence. Amidst this chaos, some individuals gravitate towards figures like Donald Trump, while others align with Greta Thunberg, rallying around either fear or love for 'the other.'
Would 'the other' even exist if equality was the standard in our border systems?
We Need a New Infrastructure for Global Natives
Marshall McLuhan recognized that our constructed infrastructure influences our identity. Therefore, it's essential to develop a framework that supports the needs of global citizens. As Razavi (2022) articulates, "The infrastructure we create for global natives must be more ambitious than what has come before. It must allow people living everywhere the freedom to live anywhere and deliver an equality of opportunity across borders."
Eliminating the constraints imposed by nationality and acknowledging global citizens enhances our chances of fostering a sense of belonging and responsibility towards our global village.
This first video, "How TECHNOLOGY Made GLOBALIZATION Possible [AP World History Review—Unit 9 Topic 1]", explores the pivotal role technology plays in promoting globalization and connecting diverse cultures.
Chapter 2: The Future of AI and Global Connectivity
As we look towards the future, it becomes evident that advancements in artificial intelligence are rapidly transforming our world. Bill Gates discusses the evolving landscape of computing and AI in his insightful presentation.
The second video, "Bill Gates on AI and the rapidly evolving future of computing," highlights Gates' perspectives on how AI will shape our interactions and the global economy in the coming years.