How Technology Has Changed in the Last 5 Years

Introduction

Over the last five years, there have been tremendous advances in technology. From the emergence of new devices such as smartphones and tablets to the rise of social media, automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and cloud computing, it is clear that technology has had a profound impact on our lives. This article will examine how technology has changed over the past five years and discuss the implications of these changes.

Examining the Evolving Landscape of Smartphones and Tablets

In the last five years, the landscape of mobile devices has changed dramatically. According to data from Statista, the global market share of smartphones has increased from 40.1% in 2012 to 73.5% in 2017.¹ This shift can be attributed to the increased use of touchscreen technology, which has made smartphones more user-friendly and accessible. Additionally, the adoption of larger screen sizes has allowed users to take advantage of the mobile web and applications with greater ease.

The popularity of tablets has also grown significantly in the last five years. According to the Pew Research Center, the percentage of American adults who own tablets has risen from 10% in 2010 to 45% in 2015.² This increase can be attributed to the improved portability, performance, and battery life of modern tablets, which has made them attractive alternatives to traditional laptops.

Exploring the Impact of Social Media on Everyday Life

Social media has become an integral part of everyday life in the last five years. According to a survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, the percentage of American adults who use social networks has increased from 67% in 2013 to 79% in 2018.³ This growth can be attributed to the expansion of mobile platforms, which has enabled users to access social networks from anywhere at any time.

Additionally, the emergence of new forms of communication such as live streaming and ephemeral messaging has made it easier for people to stay connected with friends, family, and colleagues. Furthermore, the ability to curate content on social media has given users more control over their online presence, allowing them to express themselves in creative ways.

Analyzing Increased Automation in the Workplace

In the last five years, automation has become increasingly common in the workplace. According to a study by McKinsey & Company, the number of tasks automated by technology has doubled since the early 2000s.⁴ This shift can be attributed to the advantages of automation for businesses, such as improved efficiency, cost savings, and decreased errors.

However, automation has also presented challenges for employees. For example, some jobs are being replaced by machines, leaving workers without employment. Additionally, workers may need to learn new skills in order to remain competitive in the job market. Finally, automation could lead to increased surveillance in the workplace, which could potentially have negative consequences for employee privacy.

Tracking the Emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The last five years have seen the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI). AI is defined as “the ability of a computer or machine to think and learn,” and its applications range from voice-activated virtual assistants to autonomous vehicles.⁵ AI has the potential to revolutionize industries such as healthcare, finance, and transportation by automating mundane tasks and providing more accurate predictions.

However, there are also potential risks associated with AI. For example, AI algorithms can be biased if they are not trained properly. Additionally, AI systems can be vulnerable to manipulation, which could lead to malicious actors taking control of critical infrastructure. Finally, AI could lead to job losses if companies begin to rely too heavily on automation.

Comparing the Advantages of Cloud Computing over Traditional IT Solutions

Cloud computing has become increasingly popular in the last five years. Cloud computing is defined as “the delivery of computing services over the Internet,” and it offers numerous advantages over traditional IT solutions such as scalability, flexibility, and cost savings.⁶ Additionally, it allows businesses to access powerful computing resources without having to invest in expensive hardware.

However, there are also security considerations to take into account when using cloud computing. Data stored in the cloud is vulnerable to cyberattacks, and companies must ensure that their information is protected with strong encryption and authentication protocols. Additionally, companies should carefully evaluate the service providers they are working with to ensure that their data is secure.

Conclusion

In conclusion, technology has changed dramatically over the last five years. Smartphones and tablets have become ubiquitous, and social media has become an integral part of everyday life. Additionally, automation has become increasingly common in the workplace, and artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing have emerged as groundbreaking technologies. As technology continues to evolve, it is important for individuals and businesses to stay up to date on the latest trends and adapt accordingly.