As a computer science major, I have marveled over the advancements of technology, but I also know how well this same technologies can be used for both good and bad.
Who could argue advancements that took us from trepanning to MRIs and computers that can perform surgery?
The Mayo Clinic uses robotic surgery which allows doctors to perform many types of complex procedures with more precision, flexibility and control than is possible with conventional techniques. Robotic surgery is usually associated with minimally invasive surgery — procedures performed through tiny incisions. It is also sometimes used in certain traditional open surgical procedures.
The Ericsson 5G Tactile Internet Lab in King’s College, London, supported by Ericsson technology and infrastructure, is addressing the urgent need for better global healthcare.
Using cutting-edge 5G network infrastructure in combination with the world’s most advanced surgical robotics, the team at King’s College has created the ability to allow the remote transfer of haptic, tactile, audio and visual technologies. This enables a surgeon or doctor to perform a diagnosis or even surgery on a patient anywhere in the world.
I am a big fan of using technology but not so much of making technology a built-in body part.
We can shop with our cell phones, even paying using an app and now companies are voluntarily asking employees to have an RFID computer chip installed in their hands to open doors and even buy snacks. Many techies are implanting the chips themselves, claiming the benefits outweigh any concerns they might have.
My main concern is simple:
Revelation 13:16-17 (KJV)
16: And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:
17: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
I Googled to see what the Biblical experts are saying about this; apparently I don’t need to worry according to many sources that say the chips aren’t coming along with a vow to the Antichrist, but I have my reservations.
What is first voluntary, often becomes mandatory.
I am seeing more and more reasons people feel this chipping is indeed the way of the future. Security is often touted as a reason to have everyone “chipped” as is immigration.
Take the new “chipped” credit cards. They were implemented to deter credit-card fraud. How much longer until they’re not good enough? I went from using a TRS-80 computer and punch cards to seeing computers on the verge of becoming self-aware. Some of the greatest areas of growth predicts experts is in the field of artificial intelligence.
The military has dog tags with chips embedded to provide medical history of soldiers accessible on the battlefield. We’ve been using them since they were invented 10 years ago on dogs and cats.
Wearable technology like smart watches monitor our health and sleep patterns now and there’s even a pill to report your condition inside to a computer.
I know I draw the line at getting a computer chip installed in my hand, but we all make our own decisions.

Contact Steve Warner at news@smithvillereview.com