Steve Jobs died at age fifty six. At age twenty two, he had created the fledgling fingers of a technology that would, 34 years later, turn into a technological empire. An article
Jobs was a college dropout. A technology genius. He was, and remains to be, one of few. In fact, many people in today’s society don’t have computers, access to computers or knowledge of how to function computers. There is a distinct line drawn between these people and everyday computer users. There is an even more distinct line drawn between Steve Jobs and these people. Can both interact equally in society?
The Digital Divide. It’s a controversial topic to say the least. Some argue that it doesn’t exist at all. Though delusional, those who think that the digital divide isn’t a problem can be comforted by recent research printed in an article
But the digital divide still exists. And it’s still quite a problem that needs to confronted and diminished.
So, was Jobs aware of what he had created and handed over to society? And did society know what they were readily accepting and taking on into our lifestyles? Jobs gave the public an opportunity to rapidly advance our capabilities by supplying us with advanced, yet simple to use technology software. In turn, society has indeed advanced (very rapidly) and carelessly left behind many to fend for themselves without equal opportunities to use the same technologies and advance themselves.
But to me, the real question goes beyond those effected for the worse by the digital divide, and encompasses both people like Steve Jobs, who crown the top of the technology world, those everyday users with constant access to internet and technologies, and those who have no access to either.
It brings up the question: Are humans evolving too fast? Can we as a whole, as a society, as a species, evolve rapidly enough to keep up with the advancement of technology that we are creating, wallowing in and mass distributing.
Steve Jobs lived only fifty six years. In half of his lifetime, he created a machine that has evolved so quickly, it’s forever transformed our society as we know it. We have already bypassed the point of “can’t live without it.” At what point does our existence turn into one of the creepy sci-fi films where we have lost all control and are consumed by our product? that shows internet use is continually increasing despite race, income and other social distinguishes. So yes, overall, more people are using the internet as time goes on. that highlights Jobs life, brings light to just what he left in the lap of society.
