Technology versus culture

Recently, Chinese tech-giant, Baidu, released its latest invention of ‘Smart Chopsticks’. Although they look and feel like ordinary chopsticks, they come with a host of cutting edge features that will revolutionise the Chinese health and food industry. Containing highly sensitive chemical sensors which detect unsanitary cooking oil (commonly used in China), they depict whether your food is safe or not. Along with exact quantities of nutrients, they also state the exact temperature of your meal. They even include a sodium analyser which will aid users in regulating salt intake. To top it all off, they link to your phones, tablets and computers via WiFi and Bluetooth.

Another technological upgrade in the Chinese food industry is Robotic waiters, who whizz around restaurants guided by motion sensors and efficiently deliver you your food. Similarly, in California the globally recognized ‘Starwood Hotels’ chain has introduced robotic butlers also known as ‘Botlrs’. Dressed in traditional uniform and just under three feet tall, these efficient machines are available on call for room service. Although higher-ups in the company claim that the staff isn’t being replaced, it is inevitable that they will be: a recent study at the University of Oxford states that 47 per cent of US employment is at the risk of being ousted by artificial intelligence or computer-based technology. Meanwhile, in the UK, Dyson has transformed its vacuum cleaning technology by introducing automated vacuum cleaners, controllable via an app; I guess that is goodbye to Filipino maids.

With the loss of jobs comes the regrettable loss of working class culture - which is not only an integral driving force in societies and political economies of the world, but also a symbol of pride that celebrates the struggle of our forefathers who laid the foundations for our current success.

Naturally, a progression of culture is inevitable with the passage of time. However, we have entered and are moving towards an epic era in the course of human history. With whopping sums of money in high-tech investment, the blood and sweat of an increasingly competitive workforce and some of the greatest minds that the world has ever seen, the line between celebrating and overriding culture has become increasingly blurred. Simply put, technology is beating the clock and culture seems to be at a standstill. Hence, as important as it is for us to make the most of each and every advancement and reach as far out as we can, we must not lose sight of where we came from. So, I would pass for the robot waiters and hotel staff but definitely buy a pair of smart chopsticks – after all, they are still chopsticks and hopefully always will be.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 16^th, 2014.