The times, they are a-changin’…

Although today is indeed Friday, it sure feels like a Monday to me.

 

It all began when I was realized I had forgotten my coffee thermos in my car when I dropped it off at the mechanic. Upon this realization, I returned to claim said coffee – making my sister, who drove me to work, even later – and ended up spilling the beloved beverage all over my hands (luckily none of it landed on my white shirt.) I eventually arrived at 2M headquarters and thought to myself, “Well, that was a rocky start to the day, but at least I’m here!” And then, while trying to locate my phone so that I could have it by my side when the mechanic calls, I experienced a disappointing revelation – I had left it in my bedroom this morning.

The clock has not yet struck noon, and I have already found myself desperately feeling around my desk for my phone. This whole no-phone thing has made me realize how much I depend on it (and technology, in general.) I find myself wondering…how did anyone survive without instant access to the Internet…without instant access to everything? Here I am, sitting at my desk sans smartphone, and in the back of my mind I somehow feel like I’m missing out on something, I feel out of sync with the world…and yet, this was normal life a mere decade ago. One object, one technology, has changed how the world functions and what the world relies on.

Coincidentally, during my routine PR Daily browsing session, I came across an intriguing infographic that plots when certain technologies, behaviors and ideas will ”become extinct” due to social and technological advances.

While some of the items are not-so-serious (e.g. “Waistlines”), other plotted points represent more plausible predictions (e.g. “Physical Newspapers.”) And, because the graph begins at the year 1950, some points represent monumental changes that have already occurred (e.g. “Open Borders.”)

One item in particular stood out to me – “Getting Lost.” According to the infographic, the event of “Getting Lost” is becoming extinct at this very moment. Due to the invention and eager acceptance of smartphones and other technology, it is now darn near impossible to become truly lost. This made me think of my dear iPhone – nestled at home in the blankets on my bed – and just how much it, and other devices like it, have changed the world.

So, which of these extinctions get your mind ticking?

As Bob Dylan says, ”The times, they are a-changin’.”