#TechnologyDebate

[tmarshconnors]

The Future We Longed for

It makes me sad to think how eager we all were for the future. We envisioned a world of progress, of boundless opportunity, a place where technology would enrich our lives, not consume them. Yet, here we are surrounded by so-called "advancements" that have, in many ways, stripped away the very essence of human connection.

If I had the chance, I’d go back to the ’90s in a heartbeat. No, we didn’t have the conveniences of today’s technology, but life felt real. We spoke to each other, we were present in the moment, and we lived without the constant digital distractions pulling us away from reality. There was a sense of community, a bond that wasn't mediated through screens but forged through shared experiences.

Nowadays, as I walk the dog which I do every day I can’t help but notice how detached people have become. Nearly everyone I see is glued to their phone, scrolling, texting, or watching something, oblivious to their surroundings.

Dog owners barely acknowledge their pets, and mothers pushing prams seem more engaged with their screens than with their own children. Some even hand their babies an iPhone to keep them entertained while they shop. It’s maddening.

Have we really become so enslaved by these devices that we can’t even give our undivided attention to our own children, our pets, or the world around us? This isn't progress it's a regression in the worst way.

If you haven't already, I highly recommend reading Arguments for Deleting Your Social Media Accounts Right Now by Jaron Lanier. It’s an eye-opening book that lays bare the ways in which social networks have eroded our ability to truly connect with one another.

Now, before anyone jumps in with, “But you spend a lot of time online!” yes, I do. I run blogs, produce the Angry British Conservative podcast, and enjoy my time on Xbox Live. But I’m making an observation, not being a hypocrite. There’s a difference between using technology as a tool and allowing it to dictate every waking moment of your life.

We need to step back and reclaim what we’ve lost. A conversation, a shared laugh, a moment of silence to appreciate the world these things are invaluable. If we’re not careful, we might wake up one day and realise we’ve sacrificed everything real for a digital illusion.

[technologywalabandha]

Is eSIM better than physical SIM?

This article looks at a simple question: 'Is eSIM better than physical SIM?' We're talking about how phones connect to the internet. We'll check out the good and not-so-good things about both. Come along to find out if the eSIM is really better than the regular physical SIM card we're used to.

Is eSIM better than physical SIM?

Understanding eSIM and Physical SIM Cards

Define eSIM and physical SIM cards

Physical SIM card is a module which is smaller and can be inserted or removed from the mobile. Information is written on the physical SIM card such as its size i.e. how many contacts can be saved on it and the ICCID code of 18 to 22 digits is written. A SIM that is already digitally built into the phone, completely eliminating the effects of physical SIM card loss and misuse, and is pre-programmed with carrier information. Users can switch between more than 4 eSIM profiles, providing flexibility and convenience.

Difference Between eSIM and physical SIM cards

eSIM cannot be removed but physical SIM can be removed.

The network can be changed easily in eSIM but the network cannot be changed in physical SIM.

Any plan from any network provider can be activated in eSIM, but to change the network in physical SIM, a new SIM card will have to be ordered.

eSIM is inbuilt in the phone while physical SIM comes in three sizes: standard, micro and nano.

Advantages of eSIM

Due to its flexibility, we can switch from one mobile network to another without ordering a new physical SIM card.

eSIM eliminates the need for a physical SIM card, allowing manufacturers to make their mobiles with even slimmer and compact designs.

eSIM can be activated and mobile plans can be managed at home without visiting the offline stores of mobile carriers, which improves the user experience.

Advantages of physical SIM

Apple iPhone is the only major brand which has eSIM inbuilt but till now physical SIM cards are king in most of the budget mobile brands like Realme, Redmi, Techno.

Buying a new SIM from the offline shop of mobile carriers and inserting it is a very easy process.

If the physical SIM card gets damaged or lost, you can go to the mobile carriers and get it back for use with a new physical SIM card with the same number.

You can activate the services of physical SIM card without any network connection. This will be beneficial when the internet connection is within a limited range.

[click to continue reading...]

[onlyslightlypsycho]

The Original Sin of Internet Advertising

Big data: the Internet would not exist as we know it without the presence of big data. But then I have to ask, would that necessarily be a bad thing? 

Made simple, big data is the process of collecting vast amounts of consumer data, analyzing it, and selling the information to other companies. As pointed out by 60 Minutes, this process is conducted without the consumers knowledge. This is perhaps the biggest issue and warning flag that I have with this. If it was not a shady business practice, companies would not have reasons to hide their actions from the people it affects. But it is, and they do. Moreover, as  60 seconds and Maciej Ceglowski state, consumers have no idea the scope of their lost privacy. 

 Users supposedly consent to the surveillance in user agreements, but that is manipulative and dirty. Very few people read those agreements, and writings are purposefully vague. There is no way to truly understand the scope of the trafficking that is going on. Perhaps this is a bit extreme, but it is almost equitable to human trafficking. While not people’s physical bodies are being sold as property, all of their sensitive is. Our identities are stolen by companies we are expected to trust and by those we don’t even know exist. 

There needs to be transparency. The companies that are collecting and selling this data need to be named for all the world to know. Spies are not as effective when everyone knows who they are. And privacy policies need to be more plainly stated. When companies and apps want access to information, they need to tell consumers in a plain fashion what information they are taking, what it will be used for, and who is gaining access. 

Regulation is a start. The biggest protesters are naturally those who would be negatively impacted by laws set to limit the spread of private information: Facebook, Google, big data companies. However, they need to be placed in check. Laws should be made flexible to accommodate situations but firm enough to not allow loopholes and extortion. Laws need to be updated to keep up with technology.

We need to start over. I don’t know the total solution, but advertising has overstepped it’s welcome. I agree that as a business model, it was and continues to be lucrative. It truly does form the corner stone of our Internet driven economy, as Ceglowski claims. More advertising means more money, which means more services to more people. But to make that advertising more effective, Ceglowski points out, we need more data. But as he says, we need to be able to forget it. 

As an example, Snapchat does not store pictures on Snap Inc. servers after they are viewed. While the data is still present on the devices themselves, they are not readily retrievable. Even a system such as this would be much better for an industry of data collection and selling. 

Instead of this however, we have created a cycle of endless data consumption. Increased activity leads to increased data, which leads to increased advertising, which leads to increased activity. And so it continues. We need to find a new path.