Robots, Romance, and Reality: My Preview of 2034

Join me as I peek into our world, circa 2034

Last week, I found myself sitting in my garden, watching my AI assistant adjust the solar panels for optimal efficiency (yes, that’s a thing now), when I realized how drastically our world has changed. Fourteen years ago, when I launched SheSight (amidst the pandemic, in 2020) , people thought I was overly optimistic about technology’s potential to level the playing field for women. Today, as I write this piece with my thoughts being seamlessly transcribed by AI, I can’t help but smile at how far we’ve come – and wonder about where we’re heading.

Remember when we thought working from home during the pandemic was revolutionary? Well, hold onto your ergonomic chairs, because what I’m about to share might seem like science fiction – but it’s closer than you think. Let me paint you a picture of our world in 2034, based on some fascinating insights from leading technologists. And trust me, it’s not all flying cars and robot butlers (though we’re there and its not a big deal now! ).

The other day, my teenage nephew asked me what a “regular job” used to mean. I had to laugh. The concept of a 9-to-5 job is becoming as outdated as my iPhone 16! Instead, we’re seeing the rise of what I call “renaissance professionals” – people who blend creativity, technical skills, and emotional intelligence in ways that machines simply can’t match.

Here’s what our world is shaping up to look like:

• ASI (Artificial Super Intelligence) and quantum computing become the new normal, with Universal Basic Income no longer just a progressive dream but a necessity
• Almost all traditional jobs are performed faster, cheaper, and safer by AI and robots
• Water desalination becomes effortless, with clothes and shoes made from revolutionary wrinkle-free, water-resistant polymers
• Robot-friendly cities emerge with new infrastructure, while some older cities face abandonment
• Space exploration takes center stage, with the first refueling station in space and intense competition for the Moon’s South Pole
• Vaccines for critical illnesses like cancer become reality, alongside a “magic-pill” for weight control
• Bionic eyes and exoskeletons make disability a thing of the past (As someone who’s watched my mother struggle with mobility issues, this brings tears to my eyes – happy ones)
• 3D printing moves from hobby shops to homes, causing a manufacturing industry crisis
• Cyberpunk becomes more than fashion – it’s a way of life, complete with neon lights and mass surveillance (I have mixed feelings about this one)
• Performance enhancement goes mainstream, breaking every sports record we have
• Human life expectancy pushes past 125 years, thanks to healthcare advances and the biohacking industry
• Cosmetic surgeries become commonplace, with at-home teeth alignment through 3D printed aligners
• Traditional universities transform into hybrid learning hubs, with AI tutors personalizing education for each student (Gone are the days of standardized testing – my nephew’s generation learns through immersive experiences and real-world projects!)
• Degrees lose their monopoly on career success, replaced by skill portfolios and achievement records verified on blockchain
• Lab-grown gourmet meat becomes the norm in high-end restaurants, while vertical farms in every neighborhood provide fresh produce year-round
• Personalized nutrition powered by AI transforms our relationship with food – your smart fridge now plans your meals based on your DNA, gut microbiome, and real-time health data
• Romance with robots becomes a real phenomenon and with many choosing to marry robots!  (Yes, you read that right!)

But here’s what fascinates me most: in this high-tech future, the most valuable skills are intensely human. That’s why I keep telling my readers: focus on developing your unique human capabilities. Maintain your physical and mental health. Stay curious and open-minded.

The other day, I was talking to a group of young women entrepreneurs, and one asked me if I’m scared about the future. My answer was simple: I’m excited. Yes, there are challenges ahead – massive ones. The gap between the tech-savvy and the tech-nots could widen. The environmental implications of our choices today will echo through generations. And yes, we need to ensure that this brave new world doesn’t reinforce old prejudices and power structures.

But here’s the thing: for the first time in history, we have the tools to shape this future actively. We can use AI to amplify marginalized voices, sustainable technology to heal our planet, and new economic models to create true equality.

So let’s not just witness this transformation – let’s lead it. Let’s ensure that as we build this new world, we build it for everyone. Because the future isn’t just coming; it’s being created right now, one decision at a time.

And remember, in this rapidly changing world, the most revolutionary act might just be staying human.

Universal love and abundance

Dr.CeeVee

(Dr. CeeVee is the pen name of Dr. Chandra Vadhana R, Founder of Prayaana Labs and Managing Editor, of  SheSight  Magazine)

When Dr. CeeVee isn’t writing about the future or advocating for women’s rights, she’s probably teaching her AI assistant to understand sarcasm – so far, with limited success.