LIFE IN THE FUTURE What life will be like in the future is difficult to predict. It is, however, possible to use models to make forecasts about future developments. One way to catch a glimpse of the future is to examine some of the major trends in contemporary society.
TRANSPORTATION
Current trends indicate that transportation is becoming cleaner, faster and safer. Public transportation is already well developed in most urban areas of China. New technology is being used to make sure that the cars, taxis, buses and trains we use do not pollute the air. A good example of how transportation is changing is the new maglev train, which is environmentally friendly, energy-saving and travels at an amazing 430 km/h. To ensure safety, the train is controlled by an advanced computer system. Scientists are also developing new fuels and engines that will let us travel without worrying about whether we are polluting the environment.
BUSINESS
It will not be business as usual in the future. Many companies and consumers have already begun reforming the way they do business. E-commerce, or business done on the Internet, is becoming more and more popular as people discover the advantages of online shopping. The Internet also makes it easier for companies to keep in touch with customers and companies in other countries. For people who do go out to shops, shopping is no longer just a necessity. It has become a form of entertainment. Instead of searching a crowded store for basic goods, such as food and clothes, people want to go to a pleasant mall and combine shopping with fun. The malls of the future will be like small cities where you can shop, eat, see a film and even dance. To pay for their purchases, people will use smart cards, which contain a tiny chip, instead of cash.
HEALTH AND MEDICINE
People in the future will be able to enjoy a longer and healthier life and remain active even in old age. People now are paying more attention to the importance of a healthy diet and an active life. They are careful about what they eat and exercise regularly. Advances in medical science also allow us to deal with new diseases, such as SARS. Some diseases, for example smallpox, have already been successfully defeated. With a better understanding of the human body, scientists and physicians will be able to cure more diseases. Perhaps more importantly, new discoveries in genetics and biochemistry may lead to changes in the way diseases are cured and medicines are made.
EDUCATION AND KNOWLEDGE
Homework will always be homework, but the schools of the future will probably be quite different from what they are today. We can study at home by watching educators on TV or on a computer screen. In the future, there may be more "schools on the air" and "e-schools". Real classrooms will always be popular, but distance education will help people study whenever they have time and wherever they may be. The way we view learning and knowledge is also changing. Instead of being students only when we are young, we will become lifelong learners.
It is certain that things will change. We cannot be sure whether our dreams will come true, but we can at least be hopeful that our efforts to improve the world will be successful. If we learn to accept change and appreciate what is new and different, we will be well-prepared for whatever the future may have in store.
