Top 5 Ways We'll Have Fun in 2050

Predicting what the future holds is no easy task. For years, we've been promised flying cars, jetpacks, and robot housekeepers, only to be left waiting as the technology never materializes. In 1968, science fiction author James R. Berry predicted the year 2008 in the pages of 'Mechanix Illustrated.' Some of his insights were spot-on, like the rise of online shopping and home computing, while others, such as a four-hour workday and automated doctor visits, have yet to come to life [source: Berry].

Now, it's time for Mytour.com to take up the mantle of James R. Berry and peer into the future of 2050. While we'll leave the more serious matters, like climate change and population growth, to others, in this article, let's focus on the fun part. Will we still enjoy a cold drink at the local pub? Will we continue to dance the night away in clubs? Or will we turn to simpler hobbies like knitting and woodworking? While Mytour.com hopes reading this site remains a key part of your future enjoyment, let's explore five other ways we could find fun in 2050.

5: Bird Watching

While you might have been hoping for some space-age gossip, there’s one timeless activity that remains near and dear: bird watching. A 1997 Newsweek report predicted that bird watching would experience rapid growth by 2050, surpassing all other outdoor pursuits. Back then, it was projected to grow at a pace faster than the population of the U.S., with an estimated increase of 58 percent [source: Newsweek]. By 2050, there could be as many as 127.8 million bird watchers [source: Jaleshgari].

In the future, spotting a new bird species will be an exhilarating event. By 2050, it’s predicted that 400 to 900 species of land birds will face the threat of extinction due to climate change and habitat loss [source: Schultz]. So if you thrive on the thrill of a rare sighting, plenty of exciting opportunities await you.

If you view bird watching as an outdated pastime, consider this: by 2050, a significant portion of the population will be elderly, with seniors comprising a quarter of all Americans [source: Johnson]. The aging baby boomer generation, coupled with continuous advancements in life-extending technologies, means that more individuals will have extra years to fill. So, it might be the perfect time to invest in a quality pair of binoculars.

4: Jellyfish Restaurants

It's hard to imagine a future where dining out with friends and family is no longer a tradition, so naturally, we're including dining in our list of changes. However, don't expect to visit your usual steakhouse or fast food chain. With factors like land use, population growth, and water scarcity, the American diet will evolve by 2050. We'll be consuming more grains and beans while reducing meat and dairy consumption. Vegetables will still be on the menu, but the variety may shrink. Futurists predict that only about 15 percent of our diet will consist of animal products, with the rest coming from plant-based foods. By 2025, the U.S. may even stop exporting food altogether [source: New York Times].

If we no longer have access to a tasty burger, where might we turn for our animal-based food sources? One potential alternative is increased fish consumption, but it’s unlikely we’ll still be eating the familiar tuna and cod. Studies published in the 2006 issue of the journal Science warn that by 2050, commercial fish populations could be wiped out entirely due to overfishing and pollution [source: Pearce]. Our fishing practices are devastating aquatic ecosystems, such as when we target species like tuna, marlin, and swordfish, which are key predators of jellyfish. With their removal, jellyfish populations are surging, which may lead to a need for us to embrace jellyfish sushi. While jellyfish has been a part of Asian cuisine for centuries, its taste may take some getting used to – a biology professor compared it to “tough strips of cucumber” [source: Williams]. Another alternative that could become more common by 2050 is squid, though it is notably high in cholesterol.

3: Robot Soccer Games

Imagining the myriad ways we might interact with robots in 2050 is a daunting task. It’s conceivable that robots could perform routine surgeries or even pilot our airplanes. They may take on roles in search and rescue operations or be deployed in warfare. One futurist even speculates that by 2050, humans could be marrying and having intimate relationships with robots [source: Choi].

When it comes to having fun, whether now or in 2050, few things can top spending a Saturday or Sunday outside, soaking up the sun, and enjoying a thrilling sporting event. However, by 2050, one aspect of the experience might change: the players. Experts in robotics predict that by 2050, autonomous robots will be developed that are capable of outperforming the best human soccer players [source: Peterson]. Imagine a World Cup showdown between Robots and Humans – that’s sure to draw a crowd to bars and basements alike!

These robots won’t simply follow basic algorithms for winning a soccer game. Instead, researchers are currently training robots to play soccer by using human models. The robots are fed data that showcases how humans respond to various soccer plays, allowing them to make decisions in similar scenarios. These robots will have the ability to perceive the game and react in real-time. If you’re curious about the future of robotic soccer, check out the RoboCup, where researchers demonstrate their latest 'players' and exchange knowledge. As of now, however, there are no robotic concession workers at these events.

2: Oral Storytelling

Futurist William Crossman predicts that spoken language will soon replace written communication, meaning future generations may no longer need to learn how to read and write, but instead focus on using computers and fostering creativity [source: Naisbitt]. Crossman imagines a future where we all rely on voice-in, voice-out (VIVO) computers to handle our communication needs. For example, instead of writing memoirs, we’d sit before a webcam and narrate our stories. As evidenced by the rise of reality TV and YouTube stars, many people would be intrigued by the stories of complete strangers.

In Crossman's envisioned future, large portions of the population may be illiterate. However, if these individuals need to read something, their computers could scan and read it aloud for them. This could help make communication more accessible, and with the projected population boom, it may become essential. Computers will also offer real-time translation services, enabling an urban resident to easily connect with someone living in a rural area halfway across the world.

1: Virtual Reality Entertainment

While your flat-screen television may seem like the peak of entertainment today, by 2050 it will feel outdated. In the future, we’ll likely expect our entertainment to go beyond a screen, demanding immersive experiences via virtual reality. Picture playing a video game set in World War II, where instead of just sitting on the couch, you and your friends can storm the beaches of Normandy together. With this technology, your children could even invite their favorite virtual characters into the living room to join in a dance party.

But entertainment won’t be the only use for virtual technology. It’s expected that we’ll also be able to connect with friends and family across the globe through hologram technology. Imagine having a business meeting with colleagues from New York, Seattle, and Beijing – all of you could meet in a shared virtual office to discuss the topic at hand. Virtual visits will also make long-distance relationships more manageable, and friends will be able to attend your destination wedding, no matter where they are.