The Shift from “Big Brother” to “Big Syster”

Historically, the Internet was always about connecting people – through e-mail, picture- and video-sharing, online dating sites, and the like. But as we move into a more interoperable, multidimensional and connected world, the Internet is increasingly about connecting things. Systems, networks, structures, electronic devices and virtual entities are now connecting wirelessly, without human inclusion. Humans were typically central to the equation, serving, in large part, as intermediaries between various data systems. But control is shifting, from the hands of humans into the hands of systems – and the many networks of systems these systems control.

As systems become vaster and more complex, our ability to interface with them is becoming more difficult. Data systems are beginning to take on a life of their own, becoming more autonomous and fully integrated into day-to-day life. It is projected that by 2017, there could be as many as 7 trillion wirelessly-connected devices and objects, which translates to approximately 1,000 per person. The average American consumes about 34 gigabytes of data and information every day; a 350% increase over a 30-year period. We have gone from fairly simple computing architectures to massively interconnected and interdependent networks. Flaws in the system have become increasingly hard to predict or spot, and as we grow increasingly dependent on computer networks in our everyday lives, the spread of online viruses may be uncontrollable. Our reliance on computers is increasing the threat of cyber attacks, especially as stock markets, power grids and banks depend on computers.

Imperfect systems and increasingly complex networks are causing computer systems to be less reliable and efficient. Software errors can cost the U.S. economy billions of dollars each year. But as computers and computer systems become more inconsistent and unpredictable, people are becoming more dependent on them. The problem is that, as these systems become increasingly interconnected and co-dependent, any disruption, however minor, is at risk of compromising the entire system.

Up until recently, humans and systems coexisted, mutually supervising and monitoring each other. The two would interoperate, allowing for the two-way transmission of information – from whole body scanners in U.S. airports, to employer access of workers’ e-mail accounts, to telecommunications companies keeping a record of customers’ personal communication and data. By 2020, for instance, sensors implanted in people’s brains will be able to control computers by harnessing brain waves even though this raises concerns over mind-reading technologies.

With Big Brother, many people may feel uncomfortable being tracked and monitored by the systems they have created, but with "Big Syster," people are removed from the equation altogether. Self-contained data systems will increasingly pool their resources and capabilities to create new, more complex and fully independent meta-systems which will offer more functionality, operability and computing power. In essence, the sum is greater than its parts.

What is emerging is a complex system of systems, which has the ability to monitor and control everything from municipal power grids, integrated toll networks on major highways, water distribution systems, employee communication and behavior and workplace productivity.

Ensuring data security and protecting privacy will become much more difficult as the amount of information exponentially multiplies. Fully-integrated and self-sustaining systems may make them more vulnerable to attacks – from both other systems and hackers, alike. It used to be that these issues were left for the IT department, but Big Syster will affect all levels of the organization. Lastly, as organizational energy input continues to migrate away from labor, the difficulties of managing labor may pale in comparison to those of managing systems.