You heard it here first! #2: Death directly caused by Internet outtage within 9 years

Nine years is probably too conservative, but I have to tack on a few years in case the recession/depression affects the pace of things. Here are some ways a local Internet outtage may kill people in the near to medium-distant future:

*military operation loses communications
*long-distance surgery (robotic or physician assisted)
*coordinated vehicle traffic management system goes down, accidents happen (might be too indirect)
*pacemaker-of-the-future firmware upgrade download screws up - heart tries to beat a glitch pattern
*immersive online experience with next-gen interface technology gets cut suddenly, causing cardiac arrest or brain injury
*overpaid architect designs e-company's corporate HQ with moving parts that respond to Internet traffic. An unexpected outtage causes the building to respond in a way that exceeds its design specs, and breaks apart, crushing hundreds of employed yuppies. Okay, so this one is maybe a stretch.
*can you think of others?

**Also - same prediction can be made for death by hacking.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• prediction
• future
• death
• Internet
• dependence

[lordjavathe3rd]

You're right. I'll stake my reputation on it (no one knows me). Yeah, you are right though, aside from the bad humor. I'm hoping that technology gets so out of control that 'would be' regulating forces are at a loss for power. I'm also betting on it. But I know a little about those old dogs and the trickery they put to use. I've seen them do such things before, perhaps you 'know' what I'm talking about.

[FeelFreeToArgue]

Medical care is expensive so it could start there. As the global economy becomes more of a reality due to improvements in the reliability of internet service over great distances, you will see previously unchallengeable jobs taken.

Imagine this: a new class of medical technicians trained in operating room techniques only, w/ no greater understanding of human processes but trained to expertly take directions from a remote surgeon watching a live stream. Many applications along these lines.