The future looks different for everyone and we often wonder what the future holds. What kind of technologies and innovations will emerge? The future represents the possibility of something new, the unknown, and the potential for change. By exploring the topic of the future, we can gain new insights into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The rapid pace of technological change means that we are constantly discovering new ways of solving problems, improving our lives, and creating new opportunities. We continue to develop more advanced machines and software, so we can expect to see significant changes in our daily lives.
One of the most significant is the growing importance of diversity and inclusivity. As we become more aware of the impact of discrimination and inequality, we may see greater efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in all areas of society. This could include greater representation of marginalized groups in media and politics, as well as more inclusive policies and practices in the workplace. As we look to the future, there are limitless possibilities for innovation, creativity, and growth. At the same time, the theme of the future can also be a source of anxiety and uncertainty. Will new technologies bring us closer together, or drive us further apart?
Thinking about the future has always left me with a pondering question: “Is the future now?” When I was younger, I didn’t have much access to popular streaming channels that were on cable or DVD specials. My only form of digital entertainment came from regular television. Cable was a very popular choice for entertainment for most people because it offered more content than regular television. Although it offered more content, the price for paying for cable was significantly high, especially since it was a monthly subscription. Which meant that it wasn’t a viable option for me at the time. On the other hand, we would occasionally go out to an AMC theater to watch recently released movies as a family. Later in life, my family got our first console, The Wii by Nintendo. This is where I discovered my first streaming service, Netflix.
I was amazed that we could watch movies that would have been available on DVD. Even though the service had limited movies at the time, being able to watch the ad-free content over and over again was the moment I knew that the future of streaming services would continue to be enlivened. It was only the beginning of streaming services where more media content emerged. I discovered other forms of entertainment to be accessible on our smart TVs, like Hulu, HBO Max, and recently, Disney+. I found many new ways of streaming some of my favorite shows/movies from when I was younger and I no longer had to wait for them to be released on DVD. It wasn’t necessary to purchase a media streaming device. Now I can pull out my phone and start streaming any episode of Game of Thrones.
But it has also become apparent to me that I’ve been spending more than enough time on media content, to the point where it could be harmful. I would spend hours binging shows like Arrow and Breaking Bad, to the point where I gave myself little to no time on doing something productive. Streaming services will continue to expand in the next 10 years of our future. New ways of implementing entertainment have gone to streaming services, where people can watch any content they choose from the comfort of their homes with just a subscription. For consumers, the future of entertainment holds great promise. With the rise of streaming services, we have access to an unprecedented range of content, from classic movies to the latest TV shows and live events.
As you listen to this podcast you will hear from two average consumers, Crystal and Angel, to get their input on streaming services. You will also get to hear from Harry, a media consultant that has experience with various media industries. But the future of entertainment also raises important questions about the impact of technology on our society and our culture. Are we losing the ability to connect, to experience the world around us, and to appreciate the beauty of the natural world? Are we becoming too isolated, disconnected, and reliant on our devices for our sense of identity and purpose?
As we consider the theme of the future and dive into the consumption of streaming services, I want you to be open and share your opinion on how you feel about the effect of streaming services. Ask yourself: What does the future hold?
Special thanks to Abekanowitz, Voqal, and Urban Alliance. Mildsauce is created by the youth of Street Level. Street Level is a program of Urban Gateways.