Films, books, songs, and art often portray the 21st century as the age when science fiction becomes reality.
Humanity’s problems are depicted as relics of the past, replaced by flying cars, futuristic cities, moon and Mars colonies, and robotic automation in every aspect of life.
While the world hasn’t reached those heights, technology is bringing people closer to those dreams than many realize.
“One of the biggest accomplishments of the past 25 years is the invention of the iPhone—and mobile phones in general—for better or worse. Phones have enabled immediate access to a wealth of resources and knowledge and contain more computing power than the technology that got humans to the moon,” junior Brandon Fuladi said.
Over the past five years, advancements in hardware and software have fueled AI breakthroughs, with progress accelerating at an exponential rate.
However, the AI boom comes with significant costs. In some cases, AI models rely on training data sourced from stolen intellectual property.
Meanwhile, the private sector has revolutionized aeronautics research, commercial rockets, and space exploration.
“Private companies make advancements faster than the government because they have more resources and can focus on specific goals, while the government faces more red tape,” freshman Matthew Sullivan said.
On Earth, megaprojects like the Burj Khalifa and the Las Vegas’s Sphere have transformed skylines worldwide. Yet, these futuristic developments often lack climate and traffic efficiency.
“The most efficient way to build is medium density, with low-rise, mixed-use buildings that minimize travel distances and carbon emissions,” junior Robie Polos said.
In infrastructure, large-scale projects are paving the way for future generations.
For example, California’s High-Speed Rail project has already contributed $13.7 billion to the economy through its construction alone, with even greater economic and quality-of-life benefits anticipated once it’s operational.
As technology continues to advance, society must reflect on its impact on the human experience.
While innovation should enhance and save lives, it often replaces human functions, fosters addiction, and creates over-reliance—frequently prioritizing profit over people.
