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The Next Millenium (r)

(written by iearn@iearn.org, 03/22/1996)

/* Written  5:58 AM  Nov  9, 1995 by coldspring in igc:iearn.tc */
To: peg:sthildas
From: coldspring@igc.apc.org
Subject: Discussion Topic - The Next Millennium

Dear Lara Johnstone,
My name is Nadia Khan and I attend Cold Spring Harbor High
School.  I read your opinions about what the next millennium
holds, and I agree with many of your views.  I think that
many things will become "computerized" and there will be
great advances in technology.
I don't feel that all of these changes will be good
though.  Some of the changes brought about by new technology
will probably be destructive - weapons will be further
developed and if there are wars they will be more deadly.
However, on a brighter on note, I feel that there will be
many important discoveries made and maybe cures to life
threatening diseases will be found.
At the moment, virtual reality systems are becoming very
popular, and I feel that this trend will continue in the
future with systems becoming extremely advanced.  Will this
mean instead of doing outdoors activities, people will be
cooped up inside doing their favorite pastimes with the help
of their computers?!  In any case, I think that computers
will become more utilized than they are now, and many people
will stay in the safety of their homes to do recreational and
other activities on the computer.
I agree with you that overpopulation will be a huge
problem in the next millennium.  Right now, overpopulation is
a huge problem in countries such as China and India and,
despite population control programs, it doesn't look like
these populations are going to stop growing.  I read recently
that even if people in India only have one to two children a
year, the population will still continue to increase.  I also
agree with you that there will be an increase in unemployment
and crime as a result of this problem, and many other
difficulties as well.
Can you tell me, do you think, overall, the world be
better or worse off for your grand children?

Nadia Khan
Grade 11