Imagined Future Scenarios
Media Futures, Plausible Futures, Long Term (5 - 10 years)
Scenario Generated from 'The Prophet Business' - The New York Review of Books
Future Arc and Implications
Grow Arc
Social Impact: Increased social isolation and dependence on holographic experiences leads to decline in real-world interaction.
Technological Impact: Holographic technology continuously advances, pushing the boundaries of realism and interactive capabilities.
Ecological Impact: Increased energy consumption due to holographic projection and data storage contributes to carbon emissions.
Economic Impact: A booming holographic entertainment industry creates new jobs and revenue streams, but exacerbates wealth inequality.
Political Impact: Governments struggle to regulate the immersive and potentially manipulative nature of holographic media.
Narrative: Holographic media sweeps the globe, becoming the dominant form of entertainment and information, fueling economic expansion but also societal anxieties.
Collapse Arc
Social Impact: Systemic failures lead to widespread distrust in holographic media and the institutions that support it, contributing to social unrest.
Technological Impact: Breakdown of infrastructure and supply chains hinders the production and maintenance of holographic devices.
Ecological Impact: Environmental disasters disrupt holographic services and exacerbate existing inequalities in access to technology.
Economic Impact: Economic recession and resource scarcity decimate the holographic entertainment industry and related sectors.
Political Impact: Governments lose control over holographic media, leading to the proliferation of misinformation and propaganda.
Narrative: The holographic dream crumbles as resource depletion, economic instability, and social unrest lead to a technological dark age.
Discipline Arc
Social Impact: Holographic media is heavily censored and controlled to promote social harmony and conformity.
Technological Impact: Holographic technology is developed to monitor citizens' interactions and enforce social norms.
Ecological Impact: Energy consumption of holographic devices is strictly regulated and optimized for efficiency.
Economic Impact: The holographic industry is nationalized or heavily regulated to serve the goals of the state.
Political Impact: The government uses holographic media to disseminate propaganda and maintain social control.
Narrative: A powerful authority establishes a tight grip on holographic media, using it to mold public opinion and enforce obedience.
Transform Arc
Social Impact: Holographic media fosters empathy and understanding, bridging cultural divides and promoting collective action.
Technological Impact: Holographic technology is ethically developed and used to promote education, creativity, and personal growth.
Ecological Impact: Sustainable holographic technologies minimize environmental impact and contribute to a circular economy.
Economic Impact: Holographic media empowers creators and consumers, democratizing access to information and entertainment.
Political Impact: Decentralized holographic platforms promote freedom of expression and facilitate civic engagement.
Narrative: Holographic media catalyzes a cultural renaissance, empowering individuals and communities to create a more just and sustainable future.
