The City of Shenzhen: Symbol of the Benefits (and Drawbacks) of Technological Progress

So my relationship with the digital world is a rather interesting one. I find technology inherently fascinating but am also terrified of its potential consequences. On one hand, it can drive humanity to connect in a variety of ways and help us solve problems together while on the other hand, it can sow division and mistrust and drive us apart, i.e. today’s world. Yet my main concern remains the erosion of humanity and the lack of human touch.

That said, it is indeed technology that has brought you dear reader to this page of my blog, which enables me to communicate with you in such a personal form coming at you from my hometown to yours across the globe. Like in a letter I have been given the opportunity (or taken the opportunity) to share some of my innermost thoughts and often feelings on different subjects of interest and concern. Yet unlike in a letter, I do not know who the addressee is or will be and almost always do they not respond or comment, hence turning this into a peculiar one-way means of communication.

The important thing is that you are here and that you are willing and taking the time to read my post. For that I am truly appreciative, and it would have not been possible without the aid of technology. But all this is serving as a prelude to a place that has in my view fully embraced technology as a part of their existence, lifestyle, and raison d’être, which is mostly quite fascinating and inspiring, albeit, as it pertains to anything, it comes with a few caveats of its own.

In fact, few places around the world are as modern and as technologically advanced as the city of Shenzhen in China. We may claim to be living in a technological world here in North America, but it seriously pales in comparison to how this Chinese city is run and operated by fully integrating technology into daily life as well as their way of life.

Full disclosure: I have not been there myself (yet), and all my knowledge is based on a French-speaking documentary that I have recently seen. What was demonstrated in this program was mind-blowing to say the least and only proves how backward, in fact almost cavemen-like, we and our current lives are in contrast, technologically speaking.

Shenzhen is a fascinating case because not only do they fully embrace the latest and most innovative technology of the times, but this is fully integrated into the society at large. I have always seen technology as a means to having more ease and comfort but there can be two issues with this.  Either the technology does not work as advertised or intended (yes, I’m looking at you cursed printer!) or it is filled with glitches. That urgent payment you need to make becomes impossible if the server is down regardless of if it be yours or theirs that is lacking.

But in Shenzhen everything has moved to the technological domain. So much so that any vendor, food stand, or panhandler will not accept cash but only automatic payments, which are often accompanied by a QR code. All this is even taken further in certain stores where you pay with your handprint or, in some cases, the store camera may use facial recognition, see what you have bought and then automatically charge you the amount on your credit card or bank account on file. The idea of simply walking into a store, taking items and just walking out without archaic forms of paying cash or card - and certainly not committing theft - is a wonderful idea to me.

People might object about privacy, but they tend to be the same people who then overshare on social media. At the same time, who cares if other people can see what I am purchasing, which could be accessible by gaining access to credit card statements. And if you do not want to be seen entering a store with someone, then don’t enter with them. In this case, a lack of privacy is a minimal cost to pay for major convenience.

In fact, younger generations may simply love the fact that there is no interaction whatsoever with a salesclerk. If you prefer your interactions online, the city of Shenzhen has it all in one place, one app that allows you to do practically anything. If you want to make bank or mortgage payments, buy food, hail a cab, bet on sports or buy pretty much anything online, you can do it with an app that includes various single apps under one umbrella.

Also, if you want to have food delivered to you in a park, you can access the vending machines that actually sell real fresh food. You order whatever you want, and the restaurant delivers it to you in a drone by dropping off your order in the said vending machine, which you unpack and you can immediately recycle its packaging in the adjacent bin: voilà, now you can enjoy your hot freshly made food outdoors or anywhere you find yourself. This was shown in the documentary, but I am certain soon you could order the food from wherever you are and have it delivered to you promptly with a personal drone service.

Apart from cameras throughout the city, robots are also everywhere. That includes various self-driving cars that yield to pedestrians more than human drivers would. In fact, your hotel service will be a robot taking your luggage, effectively operating the elevator, and providing room service at any hour of your choosing.

Cameras will also be found at the workplace, which would be part and parcel of a smart building. You enter your workplace and do not need a security card as facial recognition will let you enter. You will be easily tracked, so employees who want to cut corners or kill time will have a more difficult time but at the same time, you can be easily located in case of an emergency, a fire, a natural disaster or what-have-you.

Every place with the exception of the washrooms has cameras. The smart building will tell you of available parking spots in the building so you do not waste any time or effort; it can automatically regulate the temperature of your office or workplace, and it can easily detect intruders or address threats in a prompt manner.

Speaking of intruders, there was a case of a foreigner who in a moment of oversight had left his laptop unattended in an outdoors café, which was stolen a few minutes later. The security guard assured him that he would be in possession of his computer in a few hours’ time. And so, it was. They went through the cameras spread throughout the city and were able to locate the thief, follow his movements to his home and easily identity him through the large database at hand.

This was the other amazing bit that crime is literally non-existent in the city of Shenzhen. It is not due to the virtue or moral conscience of its residents but simply due to the fact that you would get caught. What better and more effective way of preventing crime! Residents can leave their bikes unattended and their cars and houses unlocked, ironically hearkening back to a good old era - at least in certain small towns - where life was just safer and more peaceful. Unless you are a potential criminal or you are supporting crime, this situation is a win-win for all residents.  

What exactly are the drawbacks here? As eluded in my earlier prelude, technology can be misused, abused, or used improperly. You could track an ex and hence invade and impinge upon that person’s rightful private life; you could watch people’s movements seen as a potential political or ideological threat and not so much for the sake of public safety. The owner or supervisor will have absolute control through constant surveillance of the workplace. All of these are valid concerns that should not be downplayed or ignored and should be accounted for.

There is also a different darker side to technology that the documentary looked at as well in the form of AI and having an artificial companion or a sex robot. Those are also parts of technology that would, as I mentioned, undermine the human touch and replace it with something much less fulfilling or satisfying.

It comes not as a surprise that this trend would also thrive in a technologically sophisticated place like Shenzhen or any other place in the world. Yet like with blogs, videos, and social media, we also have accountability and the responsibility to act with integrity. At the same time, we need business, political, and community leaders to help and support us in this endeavor and to put certain guardrails for our overall protection.

All in all, I believe that Shenzhen is a symbol of how modern technology can make life not only easier and more convenient but also safer and more satisfying for everyone. That is the whole point of technology: to facilitate and not complicate our lives. This can be taken a step further to solve problems and even come up with solutions not only regarding daily interactions but also offering avenues for a better, more peaceful and sustainable future. We have the means, know-how and technology, so why not delve into it and make it part of our future lifestyle?