I found Robyn’s speculative future scenario fascinating and thought-provoking. It never occurred to me that our love for Boba/Bubble tea could turn into something like that in the future. It seemed like such a distant future but at the same time so close to home. In some ways, we are already able to do that with over-the-counter medications at pharmacies – choosing what type of medication we need to assist with the symptoms we feel when we are sick.
When put into perspective it can be daunting. I suppose it is easier for us to imagine the end of the world than an alternative to capitalism (Dunne & Raby, 2013). As humans, we often default to the worst possible outcomes when it comes to how things in the future will turn out. What will it really mean if we have pharmaceutical Boba teas available to us? What impact will we have? It opens so many questions and wonderings.
Compared to my own speculative scenario, I find myself taking a more positive approach. Perhaps it was the prompt given to me, but also I think it has to do with the summer institute course I took recently. After learning and understanding the benefits and advantages of immersive realities and generative AI technologies, I have a newfound perspective on integrating Artificial Intelligence and technology into my professional practice and daily life. I know technology will stay, so we must embrace and use it in a way that will help and support us in making our lives easier.
Reference
Dunne, A., & Raby, F. (2013). Speculative everything: Design, fiction, and social dreaming. The MIT Press.
