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Let's not discount human touch next Nov 11, okay?

By Nick Bevens (China Daily) Updated: 2015-11-12 11:07

I feel we've already got to the point that choosing this rather slothful keyboard opinion is a breeding ground for a more sedentary and unsociable society.

Over the past couple of weeks, there have been a plethora of Back to the Future predictions about what to expect in the next 30 years as cinema fans reminisced about the 1985 movie of the same name.

A pick of the best revealed some fantastic ideas-but much like Internet shopping, too many pointed at ever-reducing levels of face-to-face interaction.

For instance, some predicted a likely surge in online learning, which they argued could lead to universities closing around the world in huge numbers. A social rite of passage for millions may soon be confined simply to online learning.

A survey suggested a tenth of the world's wealthiest companies could be virtual corporations within 10 to 15 years-so what might happen to the simple activity of going to work and talking with colleagues?

And what about actual shops? Already, millions are being shuttered around the world. And those that do survive, may very well be run by artificially intelligent shop assistant applications or robots-not much chat over the counter in those.

With all these conveniences, the need to walk to a market of any sort, pick an item and walk home has become infrequent.

Has it already become too tempting to just order the item online and wait for it to arrive?

Indoors, too, all-purpose robots are already doing the housework. Sensors in future could also obviate other chores, with your fridge and cupboards programmed to place orders for you.

I rather like not having my life ruled by electronics-specially those I can't look in the eye, or say hello to.

So, instead of Nov 11, 2016, how about "Get Off Your Posterior, and Go and Do Something for Yourself" day.

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