4th industrial revolution clusters: physical, biological, digital.

Physical manifestations of technological megatrends include autonomous vehicles, 3D printing, advanced robots, and new materials.

Biological innovations have advanced to produce more efficient ways of genetic sequencing and activating or editing genes. The many health problems influenced by genetic components will benefit greatly from innovations such as genetic testing and manipulation as well as precision medicine and treatment therapies.

“The internet of things (IoT can be described as a relationship between things and people that is made possible by connected technologies and various platforms.” Increasingly, sensors and other means of physical-to-virtual connectivity will radically change the way industries are managed; think GPS tracking of a package; Bitcoin, a blockchain application; or the enabling of on-demand model of supplying goods and services (Uber, AirBnb).

In regard to how this effects our everyday life, the most obvious influence digitization has in the community is the emergence of the “me-centred” society. “Belonging” is now more defined by individuals’ values and interests rather than by a physical space, work, or family.

Not only is online media helpful in providing information, it also enables users a voice and therefore participation, however this can also be dangerous. Seeing as access is so readily available to anyone with an internet, there are understandable concerns over what content is being distributed and what audiences are receiving it. For example, the instance of propaganda being consumed by a vulnerable audience poses obvious threats to the community. Another potential danger is that technologies can be used by bodies such as governments to suppress activities by groups or individuals that seek transparency, want to promote change, or want independence.