In The Self-Driving Car Generation Gap, LSI Faculty Fellow Brad Allenby discusses technology most often associated with freedom: the car. However, Allenby notes that the car’s representation of freedom really belongs to older generations — the young guns are not lining up as quickly to test for and receive driver’s licenses. In fact, some younger folks are even selling the vehicles they own, in favor of Uber or Lyft transportation claiming it is less expensive and less of a hassle.
As Allenby points out, in terms of freedom, the smartphone of today is the car of yesteryear. These days, having to drive is a distraction from smartphone use. At red lights many (younger) people are on their smartphones, often annoyed that the light is already green. The self-driving car allows for the luxury of texting, web-surfing and using social media while driving — a dream come true for many. For older folks, not so much. However, it is hoped that for those who really should no longer be controlling the wheel, brake and gas pedal, the automated vehicle meets the difficulty of having to let go at least half-way freedom-wise.