Schwab’s fascinating discussion around the social implications of our current habitual need for technology draws upon studies conducted on people who have slowly adopted new technologies. Although I’m speaking from no expertise or specialisation I don’t feel that these are entirely reflecting changes to human behaviour. I don’t believe that true analysis can be conducted until we have individuals who have been raised entirely in a technology dependent world. Children who are incredibly young now or primary school age will mature and reach adulthood with a far greater grasp on tech etiquette but also a far greater amount of their information readily available online.

Rather than adopting a cautionary stance or draw comparisons from dystopian fiction we should acknowledge that both legislation and attitudes towards online information will change and develop. Fear mongering and concerns about blind conformity should be replaced with education and confidence that people may take initiative to protect their information. With education beginning earlier future generations will be substantially better equipped to navigate a life that is inextricable connect to the digital world. Rather than viewing the Fourth Industrial Revolution from the exterior discussing its ethical implications to life as we know it, we accept that in time humanity will adopt a new code of ethics.

The possibilities of the digital age extend beyond escapism, entertainment and ease of information. In time the distinction between our online selves and what we consider ‘Real life’ will cease to exist or at least become irrelevant. People will no longer discuss social media as a tool to facilitate our existing social life but rather as our social life. Meeting with people face to face and interaction facilitated by technology will bear the equal significance. We should be excited by the prospect of integrated our digital existence with that of our flesh and blood. If implemented correctly (over time) our lives could become more productive and fulfilled, devoid of the concerns of our second ‘digital’ self.