Pondicherry in 2050 is declared as the UNESCO heritage city, cleanest and slum-free city where most part of physical interactions is replaced by technology. The constant struggle of keeping the rating high has given rise to mental health issues.
The city runs on renewable sources of energy in the form of floating solar panels and rooftop panels resulting in reduced carbon footprint. Cycle docking stations for Manual cycles, E-cycle and equipped cycle are created. there is an increase in public transport in the form of Hop-in-hop-off buses and Intercity smart buses
GMOs introduced leading to exploitation of organic farming has impacted the quality of food products leading to a big sad back in their healthy lifestyle. The fitness tracker, use of bicycles, sustainable practices, yoga and other beach activities help in maintaining an active healthy life.
Introduction of a Microchip to monitor environmental practices in Pondicherry has affected the lifestyle in a very significant manner. These microchips use a rating system where citizens are rated for each of their practices. Perks of having a high rating- tax subsidies, VIP access, country club memberships, coupons and reward consequences of low rating- extra duty hours (e.g. beach cleaning), attend compulsory vocational training, reformation camps.
This system has become the landmark in the life of the town as the rating systems have led to changes in practices as a result of which the city has become clean, efficient waste disposal system is in place. Use of non-biodegradable material has decreased and the use of sustainable material has increased.
The system has led to an increase in safety leading to a decrease in crimes. Finances, general health check-up (B.P., Sugar, Heart Rate) etc have become digital.
Many forms of discriminations have come into practice. Entry restrictions to beaches, monuments, events are defined based on the ratings. Hierarchy of class has been altered based on performance factors apart from money. Such discriminations and internal competition have increased greed, anxiety and consciousness, hyper Tension and stress in day to day life.
Overall lifestyle has become more sustainable. Food has undergone changes in the way it’s packed and served. No artificial food and synthetic flavours are used. Fast fashion and sustainable clothing have increased which has boosted the local industries. New renting systems for clothes has developed.
Without a doubt the digital world is boon but at the same time, vulnerabilities have made it a curse. Day to day behaviour monitored in more than one ways and common data sharing has increased the threats of security. The trust in the government for the use of data protection is threatened. Risk of data selling and leaking without one’s consent has increased. A new level of corruption is in practice with selling data to private companies, bribes, paying money to increase ratings. Records of individuals and citizens can help in formulating policies. Help people with a high rating in crises.
The youth and social activists realise the gullibility of citizens and have started forming secret societies. In these societies, they try to find ways to hack into the system, find antidotes and secure their data.
The effects of the extremely high tech life are observed which include short term effects such as nerve and muscle stimulation, changes in CNS. Whereas the long term effects include cardiovascular disorders, reproductive disorders, neuro-behavioural effects and even cancer.
Exploitation in the green practice as coming up as EMR’s effect on human health and organic farming. Yoga is found helpful in balancing out the negative effect of frequent technology use. One can create harmony between our physical life using ancient practices. The practice of yoga and ancient healing techniques are used to combat the harmful radiations- spiritual centre for a digital detox.