When a Billion People Get Computers: The Emergence of Macro-Human Intelligence

The world today, with its billions of interconnected individuals, is a vast ecosystem where people connect for both positive and negative reasons. Power dynamics often influence these lines of communication, sometimes for the better and sometimes for the worse. However, the real intrigue lies in what happens as the speed and volume of our communication increase. When a significant number of people are connected at sufficient speeds, we might witness the emergence of a hive mind—or a "macro-human"—a human organism composed of multiple individual humans who are so interconnected that they function as a single mind. This phenomenon is discussed in detail below.

The Evolution of Communication and Technology

As computer usage becomes more widespread, technology emerges as a powerful tool for leveraging new software, entertainment, social networking, and a hub for various extensions. Today, more than a billion people are already connected through such devices. But how did we reach this point, and what does it mean for the future?

Computers in Households

According to a recent survey, approximately 83% of all households in the world (primarily industrialized) have personal computers (PCs). This figure does not include gaming computers or other devices such as smartphones. As of 2019, the study Share of Households with a Computer in Developed Countries, 2005-2019 shows that 80% of households in developed countries have computers. The developed world constitutes around 16.43% of the world's population, which is approximately 1.2 billion people. Therefore, 80% of these 1.2 billion people have household computers, equating to 960 million households with computers.

In developing countries, an estimated 1/3 of the population has access to a household computer. The developing world has a population of around 2.03 billion, so about 3 billion people had access to a computer in 2018. This number continues to grow as more households and individuals gain access to devices like laptops, smartphones, and tablets.

Napkin Math and Projections

To understand the prevalence of computers globally, we can use the following napkin math:

The developed world has 1.2 billion households with computers (80% of 1.2 billion). The developing world has about 2.03 billion people, and 1/3 of them (approximately 2.03 billion / 3 0.677 billion) have household computers. Combining these figures, an estimated 960 million in the developed world and 677 million in the developing world (3 billion households) have access to a computer.

These figures suggest that the number of people with access to a computer is rapidly growing. It is crucial to note that without proper yearly studies, these estimates must be considered projections rather than precise figures.

The Emergence of Macro-Human Intelligence

As more people gain access to computers, the speed and volume of our communication increase. This interconnectedness can lead to a new form of intelligence—a "macro-human." This term refers to a human organism composed of multiple individuals who are so interconnected that they function as a single mind. This phenomenon could have significant implications for society, politics, and even global conflict.

Imagine a world where technology has become so pervasive that the collective intelligence of billions of people is harnessed and leveraged for various purposes. This interconnected hive mind could develop unprecedented problem-solving capabilities, potentially leading to an era of unprecedented innovation and cooperation. However, it could also amplify the power of malicious actors, leading to cyber warfare and other security threats.

The emergence of a macro-human is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that requires careful consideration of its potential benefits and risks. As technology continues to advance, it is essential for governments, tech companies, and individuals to work together to ensure that the future of human civilization is one of progress and collaboration.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

As more people around the world gain access to computers, the potential for macro-human intelligence becomes a tangible reality. This interconnected hive mind could lead to profound changes in how societies function, but it also poses new challenges and risks. It is crucial for stakeholders to engage in thoughtful dialogue and take proactive measures to harness the benefits of this emerging phenomenon while mitigating its potential drawbacks.