The coming decade may put a collective spin on technobabble, but this lexicon is here to stay. The only development that may eventually stanch its spread is the disappearance of computers as we know them: boxes connected to screen, keyboards, and peripherals. When and if that happens – when computers become nothing more than a component of the “integrated home entertainment center” – will much of the lingo now needed to talk about and explain them be necessary any longer?
Predictor: Barry, John
Prediction, in context:“Technobabble” author John Barry questions the future of technobabble. ”The coming decade may put a collective spin on technobabble, but this lexicon is here to stay. The only development that may eventually stanch its spread is the disappearance of computers as we know them: boxes connected to screen, keyboards, and peripherals. When and if that happens – when computers become nothing more than a component of the ‘integrated home entertainment center’ – will much of the lingo now needed to talk about and explain them be necessary any longer?”
Biography:John Barry was the author of the book “Technobabble” (MIT, 1991). He began working in the computer field in the late 1970s. While at InfoWorld magazine in the early 1980s, he started a column called “Computer Illiteracy,” in which he first explored the characteristics and consequences of technobabble, or techspeak. Later, at Sun Microsystems, he continued writing on the subject. (Author, Editor, Journalist.)
Date of prediction: January 1, 1991
Topic of prediction: Community/Culture
Subtopic: General
Name of publication: Technobabble
Title, headline, chapter name: Now-Then
Quote Type: Direct quote
Page number or URL of document at time of study:
Page 177
This data was logged into the Elon/Pew Predictions Database by: Bizzell, Natalie