Imagined Future Scenarios
Quantum Computing, Probable Futures, Long Term (5 - 10 years)
Scenario Generated from 'Prediction: 2025 is the year quantum computing advances from physical qubits to logical qubits' - TechRadar
Future Arc and Implications
Grow Arc
Social Impact: Widespread access to quantum computing leads to increased societal interconnectedness and automation.
Technological Impact: Rapid advancements in quantum algorithms and hardware drive exponential growth in computing power.
Ecological Impact: Increased efficiency from quantum computing reduces energy consumption in various sectors but may exacerbate e-waste.
Economic Impact: Quantum computing fuels economic growth by creating new industries and transforming existing ones.
Political Impact: Global competition for quantum technology dominance shapes international relations and policy.
Narrative: Quantum cloud computing becomes a ubiquitous utility, powering a hyper-connected and exponentially advancing world.
Collapse Arc
Social Impact: Unequal access to quantum computing exacerbates social inequalities and leads to widespread unrest.
Technological Impact: Over-reliance on quantum systems leads to cascading failures and societal disruption when vulnerabilities are exploited.
Ecological Impact: The environmental impact of quantum computing's massive energy demands becomes unsustainable, furthering climate change.
Economic Impact: The concentration of power in a few quantum computing entities leads to economic instability and widespread job displacement.
Political Impact: Global instability arises from the weaponization of quantum computing capabilities and competitive resource control.
Narrative: Overdependence on quantum cloud computing leads to a catastrophic technological collapse, triggering societal breakdown.
Discipline Arc
Social Impact: Strict regulations and ethical guidelines govern quantum computing's development and uses, prioritizing social good.
Technological Impact: Quantum computing's development is carefully controlled, focusing on sustainable and equitable applications.
Ecological Impact: Environmental concerns dictate the responsible development and deployment of quantum computing technologies.
Economic Impact: State-controlled or centrally planned economies dictate the use of quantum resources, prioritizing stability and equity.
Political Impact: Global governance mechanisms regulate quantum computing to prevent misuse and promote international cooperation.
Narrative: Governments and international bodies establish stringent controls around quantum computing to ensure responsible development.
Transform Arc
Social Impact: Quantum computing leads to paradigm shifts in understanding reality, consciousness, and human potential.
Technological Impact: Quantum technologies fundamentally alter our relationship with information and computation, enabling unforeseen possibilities.
Ecological Impact: Quantum-enhanced solutions significantly mitigate climate change and restore ecological balance.
Economic Impact: New economic models emerge based on decentralized quantum computing resources and shared prosperity.
Political Impact: A post-scarcity society emerges, transforming political systems based on collaboration and human flourishing.
Narrative: Quantum computing unlocks a new era of human understanding and societal transformation, ushering in a post-scarcity society.
