Two Possible Futures for a 3D Printing Society

pinshape

Just like every other technology that has come before the 3D printer, its adoption and use have brought about significant changes in many of our lives. The future holds much promise for this technology, with some speculating that it could give humanity the ability to "print" anything and everything we want at a moment's notice. However, others fear that mass adoption of personal printers will lead to the demise of society as we know it. Almost everyone has realized two fundamental aspects of human nature: 1) Humans have an insatiable desire for "more," and 2) that desire can never be fully satisfied. If properly implemented and used, 3D printers can definitely help humanity reach a higher level of sustainable prosperity and wellbeing. Imagine a future where nearly everyone owns a 3D printer capable of producing various products with only a collection of raw ingredients, some energy, and plans downloaded from the internet. We've come a long way since the first 3D printer was introduced, but I predict that by 2050, it will become a standard appliance in every new home built across America. By 2100, the technology will likely be advanced enough to nearly eliminate the need to purchase most common products sold in retail settings. The only limitation to obtaining more things will be the size of our imaginations as well as the amount of raw materials we can mine. However, a future where we could print anything and everything we desire sounds pretty good, but it can only be beneficial if steps are taken to ensure that society doesn't collapse. There are many negative consequences to having the ability to print anything we want at home, including: 1) The ability to tax the sale of goods (in other words, how will governments be funded) 2) The ability for anyone to make a working gun or other weapons cheaply and easily 3) The loss of jobs in both the manufacturing and retail sector 4) The inability to reach a consensus on what role a 3D printer should have in the healthcare industry If 3D printers existed that eliminated the need for the manufacturing and retail sales sectors, our economy would literally not be able to exist as it does now. Given the history of the economy and the rate at which technology is advancing, it's not improbable to assume that a 3D printer "bubble" will happen (perhaps soon after the impending student loan bubble). Without taking the necessary steps to control the growth and implementation of this technology, our ability to create sustainable prosperity and wellbeing may be placed in severe jeopardy. Change is the only thing that is certain. 3D printer technology has come a long way since it was first introduced as something out of science fiction. In just 30 years, we have created machines capable of "printing" a multitude of items from small plastic toys and clothing to weaponry and even live human tissue and food. As we've seen, it doesn't take long for societal pressures to develop around the things that this fantastic technology can do for us. 3D printers will face many legal and ethical challenges in the future but will eventually prove to be a driving force for change as mass customization, personalized products, and at-home manufacturing become a big part of our lives. Will 3D printers ultimately be a force for good or evil? One can only speculate, but what is certain is that this technology has driven change in our lives and it will continue to do so for a very long time.