Transportation and
housing, including challenges to living near where one works
– public safety officers (policemen and firemen),
emergency technicians, teachers, tourist industry workers
– and the consequences
The next living and
working patterns after telecommuting
Sense of community –
worldwide friends while not knowing one's geographic
neighbors
The future of family
life
Forms of entertainment
and recreation
"Down time"
and leisure time
Lives of fulfillment and
self-actualization vs. lives of maintenance?
Outlooks on life –
optimistic or fatalistic?
"24 x 7" and
complete disconnection from nature – the wave of the
future, or not?
The instant
gratification culture – will it continue?
Stimulation and
diversion – more of the same, or a resurgence of a more
inner-directed life?
Fast-paced life – is
it inevitable?
Values
and cultural issues
Global village –
monolithic world vs. cultural diversity?
What will result from
the interplay between the globalization of the economy and
the tribalization of sentiment?
Group-oriented vs.
individual oriented society?
How will the shift of
power and influence to Asia impact lifestyles, Western
culture, and English as a lingua franca?
In 2050, what will be
the dominant culture, value system, and lifestyle – and
inspired by which nations, non-state geostrategic actors, or
regions?
How will the aging
population on impact family life and whether a culture is
youth-oriented vs. age-oriented?
Will there be a
resurgence of traditionalism?
What is the future of
philosophical, moral, and religious relativism?
Which will prevail in
everyday life – competition, egalitarianism, or
cooperation?
What is the future of
counterpoint-based identity ("us-them")?
Will a majority of
people continue to buy into status and material gain as
values and personal goals in 2025?
Values
and Spirituality
What is the future of
both mainstream and nontraditional religion?
Will there be a coming
together of science with spirituality / religion, and if so,
with what implications?