It’s easy to get caught up in specific facets or aspects of the broader Internet that we use regularly or that makes our lives easier, more connected or more informed at the expense of losing perspective of what is going on in the broader context. Often it helps to take a step back and survey where the road we are traveling is leading and what the implications of following that path will have. And while many experts and pundits have their own opinions of where we are going or what lies ahead few have the respect and clout of Google’s Chief Internet Evangelist Vint Cerf.

In celebration of Google’s 10th anniversary, here is what he had to write on the Official Google Blog when asked about the societal and technological impact of the Internet over the course of the next ten years.

In the next decade, around 70% of the human population will have fixed or mobile access to the Internet at increasingly high speeds, up to gigabits per second. We can reliably expect that mobile devices will become a major component of the Internet, as will appliances and sensors of all kinds. Many of the things on the Internet, whether mobile or fixed, will know where they are, both geographically and logically. As you enter a hotel room, your mobile will be told its precise location including room number. When you turn your laptop on, it will learn this information as well–either from the mobile or from the room itself. It will be normal for devices, when activated, to discover what other devices are in the neighborhood, so your mobile will discover that it has a high resolution display available in what was once called a television set. If you wish, your mobile will remember where you have been and will keep track of RFID-labeled objects such as your briefcase, car keys and glasses. “Where are my glasses?” you will ask. “You were last within RFID reach of them while in the living room,” your mobile or laptop will say.

You can read more from Cerf here: The next Internet

His He goes on to offer a number of other analogies and examples to reinforce his thinking. I am struck by the ubiquity, convenience and connectivity that he suggests while simultaneously being fearful of the implications of the same. All gain comes with a cost and the cost for this enhanced connectivity could be the potential loss of privacy; at least if this information is used in a less than ethical or scrupulous manner. It’s an interesting thought to ponder but one that must be considered especially in this age of increasing business and governmental involvement in all things we do. I’m not suggesting that we revert back to the way things were or recommending that we retreat into isolation but I do think we need to be aware of the actual price of what we are getting. With great power comes great responsibility. Thought provoking no doubt.

On a similar vein it would be interesting in hearing from those involved in the association world to hear some of your thoughts on what the challenges and opportunities that the next 10 years, specific to leadership, learning and technology, of the Internet may bring. Share your thoughts below.