Computing has shaped modern life in ways that were unimaginable just a few decades ago, and in the next 50 years, its influence will only grow stronger. 

Drawing from the history of computing technology and how it continues to evolve, here’s how I think it would impact society in general in the coming decades–and what we can do to make sure that these advancements are equitable and just.

1. Privacy will be a thing of the past

We’ve seen the rise of smart devices, IoT (Internet of Things), and AI-driven surveillance systems that could track, analyze, and record our every action. This trend, often called “datafication”, means our actions, preferences, behavior, and even emotions can now be commodified. As a result of datafication, tech giants and governments have gained unprecedented control over public behavior, using AI not just to monitor but to influence and silence dissent. 

The U.S.’ CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act) and the EU’s GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) are steps in the right direction. However, such regulations often struggle to keep up with the breakneck speed of tech innovations. Unless regulation evolves at the same pace as technology, society will be at the mercy of corporations that prioritize profit over public good. We need more control, not less.

Unfortunately, in the US, tech giants wield significant influence over policymakers (to put it very mildly), making it difficult to pass meaningful regulations that protect individual privacy. The EU and other countries may have to take the lead in establishing a global standard for ethical data handling practices.

What else can we do?

  • Demand corporate accountability. Governments must ensure that tech companies operate with transparency, limiting the extent to which they can exploit personal data for profit or political influence.
  • Invest in decentralized technologies. Blockchain and privacy-first platforms could give users more control over their own data, reducing reliance on centralized tech giants.

2. True innovation will slow down due to tech giants and IP practices

Ironically, the very companies pushing tech developments may also be the biggest roadblock to innovation. Tech giants often stifle competition through closed ecosystems (think Apple), aggressive patent hoarding, and strategic acquisitions that crush possible rivals before they can even grow. 

Think about it: when did we last hear about an emerging company that could be the next Google, Apple, or Microsoft?

Large corporations often prioritize profit over progress, using their vast resources to acquire startups, monopolize markets, and control the direction of technological development. As smaller players and independent researchers are squeezed out of the ecosystem, groundbreaking innovations could slow down.

Many of today’s “innovations” are merely incremental updates designed to maximize profits—better cameras, slightly faster processors, more engaging advertisements—rather than tech that solve pressing global challenges. 

What can we do?

  • Strengthen antitrust laws. Governments should break up monopolistic companies and prevent them from acquiring every emerging competitor. Authorities must take a more aggressive stance against anti-competitive practices.

3. Democracy and liberal values will continue to erode

As computing power increases, so will the tools for misinformation, manipulation, and surveillance. AI-driven algorithms, for example, can be used to spread disinformation, distort and manipulate public opinion, and even influence election outcomes. We’ve seen these happen around the world: in events like Brexit, the 2016 U.S. elections, and Cambridge Analytica’s activities in the Philippines.

The lack of transparency and accountability in these systems poses a significant threat to democratic institutions. Nobel laureate Maria Ressa once said: “If you don’t have integrity of facts, you don’t have integrity of elections.” Without ethical frameworks and regulations to govern the use of these technologies, we risk further erosion of liberal values and democratic norms.

What can we do?

  • Demand transparency in algorithms. Social media platforms and search engines should be compelled to disclose how their recommendation systems work and implement bias-mitigation and more stringent content moderation guidelines.
  • Regulate AI-generated content. Governments must introduce legislation that requires clear labeling of AI-generated images, videos, and news to prevent manipulation.
  • Promote digital literacy. Schools should include critical thinking and media literacy as core subjects to help the youth become critical consumers of information.

4. We’ll see more jobs lost in poorer nations

The global impact of computing technology is not evenly distributed. While advancements in AI and automation may create new opportunities in developed countries, they could lead to significant job losses in the global south. Industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, and customer service, which rely heavily on human labor, are particularly vulnerable to automation. This could exacerbate existing economic inequalities, leaving millions of people without viable employment options.

In AI, digital colonialism (where data-rich nations control AI while others provide the training labor) will also deepen global inequality.

What can we do?

  • Advocate for equitable distribution of tech advancements. This may include investing in education and job training programs in the global south to mitigate the impact of automation and help prepare workers for emerging industries.
  • Push for global AI governance. International bodies like the United Nations and other trade associations could establish fair AI-related policies to mitigate exploitation.

(Note: This list is not exhaustive; this is just my output for a course I’m taking. If I missed anything, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.)