Tech Me Out: a new survey says a quarter of young people would happily date a robot
The future looks as if it’s going to be weird. A new report to mark from ComRes research to the launch of FutureFest 2016 says that 26% of young people (aged 18-34) in the UK said that they would happily date a robot – provided their android partner looked just like a real-life human being.
There may be more digital shocks in store. One third (34%) of people in the UK say they would be microchipped at work if their privacy was 100% guaranteed, but more than half (62%) say that they would not swap an analogue meal for a digital pill.
Moreover, 50% of Brits who already use contactless bank cards say that they would be happy to have microchips implanted under their skin to open doors or log on at work, and a third (32%) of all British adults believe that in 50 years’ time the sale of fizzy drinks to under-16s will be as tightly controlled as tobacco is today.
Such research naturally has an agenda when promoting a conference that will discuss the future, but the Generation Gap is likely to become much wider as the proliferation of robots
“As humans, we are all born with our own in-built crystal ball about the future. It’s in our nature to have dreams and schemes about better and more exciting worlds to come. We’re exploring playful, emotional and working futures – using world-class speakers, new commissions and installations, and a range of opportunities for our super-smart audiences,” said Pat Kane, Curator of the Play theme at this year’s event.
Since its inaugural event in 2013, FutureFest has hosted Dame Vivienne Westwood in conversation with Edward Snowden, legendary funk musician George Clinton, Baroness Helena Kennedy QC, Wikipedia’s Jimmy Wales, author Jon Ronson, social entrepreneur and model Lily Cole, amongs others.
I, meanwhile, have yet to receive my speaking invitation. Still, they can always use a robot, nobody would be able to tell.
Monty Munford has more than 15 years' experience in mobile, digital media, web and journalism. He is the founder of Mob76, a company that helps tech companies raise money and exit. He speaks regularly at global media events with a focus on Africa, writes a weekly column for The Telegraph, is a regular contributor to The Economist, Wired, Mashable and speaks regularly on the BBC World Service.
