Downsizing: Technology is Shrinking Our Lives
The Power of Convergence and Shrinking. In the world of technology, there are two forces at work that are reducing the space we need to live: shrinking and convergence. When the things in our life become smaller, the space we require becomes smaller. Convergence is what happens when a single device replaces several such as a fax, scanner, copier, printer. When convergence is combined with a reduction in size, a powerful thing happens. One such example is the Apple iPhone. Not long ago, the multi-touch screen incorporated in the iPhone was limited to special effects in science fiction movies, like Minority Report. Today, anyone with $200 can have an iPhone that replaces the digital camera, telephone, portable computer, and thousands of other tools available as applications for the iPhone.
The Entertainment Center is Gone. Some people reading this article may not know that there was once something called the entertainment center. It might have contained a stereo, a television, and bookshelves of DVDs and music CDs. Today, the entertainment center has been replaced by the computer.
The Books, Magazines, and Newspapers Are Gone. In the past we identified generations based on the wars they lived through. In the absence of wars, we now identify generations based on the technology they grew up with. Up to the 1970s, the primary source of music was 8-track tapes, cassette tapes, or records. These were soon replaced by CDs. Today, CDs have been replaced by downloadable music, and the generation of people growing up today may look upon CDs as some adults recall the days of records. Similarly, a new generation is growing up without books, magazines, or newspapers. We take for granted that homes will have bookshelves and the clutter of numerous printed materials. However, the next generation will get their news and read their books on iPhones, Kindles, and other such devices.
The Postal Mail and Bills are Gone. Many of the printed material things most of us grew up with are now dissapearing. Postal mail has been replaced by email. Printed bills are no longer received in the mail, but instead bills are received electronically.
The Checkbook is Gone. Online banking, electronic payments, and the use of credit cards are replacing the paperwork of paying bills. The use of automated financial reporting, and downloading of transactions makes checkbook registers obsolete.
The Miniaturized Life. Despite the seeming disappearance of a familiar technologies and clutter in our lives, these things still exist in their electronic forms. All of the above mentioned items can now fit in something the size of a notebook computer or smaller device. As a result, downsizing doesn’t necessarily mean giving up an abundant life.
Lighter Technologies for a Lighter and Smaller Footprint. I enjoy playing and composing music. In the past, I had a recording studio with racks of equipment and a multi-track digital recording system. The components and equipment were very power hungry. All of this has been reduced to a notebook computer less than an inch high (2.41 cm). My keyboard is powered from the USB port on the notebook computer. So, I can actually record multi-track digital music in the middle of a field if I want, or in my off-the grid home.
Outsourcing. Perhaps the 24-hour copy center was one of the first businesses to inspire outsourcing of services rather than trying to own everything in-house. What has worked for businesses also works for individuals. People are beginning to realize that it’s better to rent and outsource products and services rather than trying to take ownership of them. Outsourcing your life means less to keep track of, less upkeep, and fewer bills.
