Imagined Future Scenarios
Quantum Computing, Possible Futures, Long Term (5 - 10 years)
Scenario Generated from 'Softer Image?' - Reason
Future Arc and Implications
Grow Arc
Social Impact: Increased digital trust through widespread adoption of quantum-resistant cryptography enhances online interactions and data security.
Technological Impact: Rapid advancement in quantum-resistant cryptography and quantum computing fuels economic growth and innovation.
Ecological Impact: Increased computational power improves resource management and environmental monitoring but also increases energy consumption.
Economic Impact: A global cybersecurity arms race drives investment in quantum-resistant technology, leading to economic expansion.
Political Impact: International cooperation on cybersecurity standards and regulations increases, fostering a more secure global environment.
Narrative: Global economy thrives on a new technological foundation built upon resilient quantum-resistant cryptography.
Collapse Arc
Social Impact: Widespread data breaches and the breakdown of digital trust lead to social unrest and chaos.
Technological Impact: Lack of preparedness and insufficient transition to quantum-resistant cryptography leads to widespread system failures.
Ecological Impact: Resource depletion and environmental damage accelerate due to failure of critical infrastructure, hindering mitigation efforts.
Economic Impact: Global financial markets collapse as a result of widespread cyberattacks and data breaches, leading to economic turmoil.
Political Impact: Governments collapse under the weight of cyberattacks and social unrest, leading to global instability.
Narrative: Cybersecurity collapse due to unpreparedness for the quantum computing revolution triggers societal and economic breakdown.
Discipline Arc
Social Impact: Strict government regulation and surveillance control the implementation of quantum-resistant cryptography and data usage.
Technological Impact: Standardized and tightly controlled quantum-resistant cryptosystems ensure stability, but at the cost of innovation.
Ecological Impact: Centralized systems for managing quantum-resistant cryptography minimize energy waste but risks environmental impact from increased control.
Economic Impact: Central planning and controlled economies emerge due to stringent security measures imposed to manage risks.
Political Impact: Authoritarian governments, prioritizing cybersecurity, increase control over digitally-driven information and society.
Narrative: A globally coordinated, authoritarian response to the cybersecurity crisis prioritizes stability over freedom.
Transform Arc
Social Impact: Decentralized, community-based cryptography solutions emerge, enhancing privacy and trust.
Technological Impact: Post-quantum cryptography fuels new forms of secure communication and decentralized online systems.
Ecological Impact: Decentralized solutions contribute to sustainable resource management by optimizing usage and efficiency.
Economic Impact: New economic models, valuing data privacy and user control, emerge alongside quantum-resistant cryptography.
Political Impact: A more balanced distribution of power happens, with governance systems prioritizing transparency and individual rights in the digital sphere.
Narrative: Humanity reimagines security using quantum-resistant cryptography, leading to a decentralized and trust-driven digital future.
