2020 foresight: New jobs

Futurists at Social Technologies LLC see the following new jobs on the horizon for the year 2020:

• Realizer: Creates real versions of virtual objects for people, from grog tankards to sports cars.
• E-scrubber: Works to undo or minimize the indiscretions that people accumulate on the Web.
• Unrealtor: Creates virtual tourism, adventure and retail destinations.
• Nano-decontaminator: Cleans up nanomaterials now being spread through the environment.
• Deceptionist: Provides tech-enabled deception services for those wishing to disguise their activities.
• Genetic dietician: Creates diets tailored to people’s individual genetic makeup.
• Geoscaper: Makes corporate and private properties look attractive in Google Earth-style aerial views.
• Unplugger: Counselor (or mental health professional) who helps wean people from excessive technology use.
• Eye pilot: Operates small, remotely piloted, camera-equipped aerial vehicles over war zones, disasters and other locations of interest on behalf of news services, nongovernmental organizations and private companies.

But a colleague of mine noted that very few people will want to be known as a “deceptionist.” It’s a hard thing to want to put on your IRS tax return or tell your kids.