One of the many fears expressed about the information highway is that it will reduce the time people spend socializing. Some worry that homes will become such cozy entertainment providers that we’ll never leave them, and that, safe in our private sanctuaries, we’ll become isolated. I don’t think that’s going to happen … We’re social animals. We will have the option of staying home more because the highway will create so many new options for home-based entertainment, for communications – both personal and professional – and for employment. Although the mix of activities will change, I think people will decide to spend almost as much time out of their homes.
Predictor: Gates, Bill
Prediction, in context:In his 1995 book “The Road Ahead,” Microsoft CEO Bill Gates writes:”One of the many fears expressed about the information highway is that it will reduce the time people spend socializing. Some worry that homes will become such cozy entertainment providers that we’ll never leave them, and that, safe in our private sanctuaries, we’ll become isolated. I don’t think that’s going to happen … I certainly don’t plan to stay at home all the time. Other people, when they have entertainment flowing into their homes, will also continue to go to theaters, just as they’ll visit parks, museums, and shops. As behaviorists keep reminding us, we’re social animals. We will have the option of staying home more because the highway will create so many new options for home-based entertainment, for communications – both personal and professional – and for employment. Although the mix of activities will change, I think people will decide to spend almost as much time out of their homes.”
Biography:Bill Gates, the most influential technology entrepreneur of the late 20th century, was the primary author of the prediction-packed 1995 book “The Road Ahead” and is the founder and CEO of Microsoft Corporation. (Entrepreneur/Business Leader.)
Date of prediction: January 1, 1995
Topic of prediction: Community/Culture
Subtopic: Social Withdrawal/Addiction
Name of publication: The Road Ahead (book)
Title, headline, chapter name: Chapter 10: Plugged In At Home
Quote Type: Direct quote
Page number or URL of document at time of study:
Pages 205, 206
This data was logged into the Elon/Pew Predictions Database by: Guarino, Jennifer Anne