Granularity

We have become accustomed to a “mass production” world, in which vast amounts of identical goods are turned out endlessly. Even services such as “fast food” have traveled the route. It is familiar and comforting and mostly inexpensive – and sometimes infuriating in its planned sameness. 

If civilization holds together, we will discover that advances in technology (computers, automation and AI in particular) are about to change all that. Machines such as 3D printers can easily adjust anything. Algorithms can “remember” and guide everything about us. 

Good news. Every item of clothing we purchase will fit perfectly. Every bit of food we eat will be adjusted to exactly provide correct nutrition. Entertainment services will be pre-sorted by what you want already fully vetted. Your world becomes an aristocratic playground catering to your every desire. 

Bad news. There is no escape. Everything you do in public or private will be noted and taken into account. Your habits, your actions, your heroism or bad behavior. are applied. Each insurance bill, for example, will differ from everyone else’s based on fully known risks. Already in China you can be denied a railroad ticket if you have unpaid debt – and your taxes and opportunities go up or down depending on what the ubiquitous cameras and internet robots have observed. 

Worse. Computers can manufacture data that seems more real than reality and easily fool other computers. 

Truly, the best of times, the worst of times.