The Dystopian Future of Digital Prenups and Smart Contracts
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The Dystopian View of Technology
As a devoted viewer of Black Mirror, I appreciate its exploration of the darker consequences of technological progress. The series offers a compelling lens through which we might examine the implications of Blockchain technology and Smart Contracts.
The Concept of Digital Prenups
Enter the future of prenuptial agreements. In this evolving landscape, contracts transcend traditional paper forms to become digital agreements that can self-execute when predetermined conditions are met. The possibilities are virtually limitless. Picture a scenario where a spouse's entitlement to inheritance hinges on remaining married for a decade, or where infidelity could mean losing half the family home. Below are five illustrative examples of how such futuristic prenups might manifest, potentially creating a marital nightmare.
Prenup Scenario 1: Weight-Based Divorce Trigger
Imagine a contract that initiates divorce proceedings if one partner exceeds a certain weight limit. This could become feasible through Smart Contracts integrated with IoT devices like smart scales. Such scales could send weight data directly to the blockchain, automatically activating the divorce clause if a specific weight threshold is crossed. While intriguing, this raises enforcement challenges and risks false positives, such as temporary weight fluctuations due to illness. However, today's technology could theoretically enable this concept.
Prenup Scenario 2: Income-Dependent Divorce Trigger
A Smart Contract could stipulate that divorce is automatic if one partner's income falls below a specified amount, with data sourced from tax returns uploaded to the blockchain. If year-end earnings dip beneath the agreed level, the contract would trigger divorce proceedings. This scenario implies a relentless pressure to maintain financial productivity or face the consequences.
Prenup Scenario 3: Sexual Obligations Contract
Envision a contract mandating a minimum of two sexual encounters per week. While this idea may seem far-fetched, advancements in biowearable technology could potentially make it a reality. Such devices could monitor intimate activities, thereby enabling a Smart Contract to initiate divorce if the stipulated frequency is not met. While this concept appears extreme, the rapid evolution of technology suggests it may not be entirely implausible.
Prenup Scenario 4: Kitchen Cleanliness Clause
How often have you faced disapproval for leaving dirty dishes in the sink? In the future, a Smart Contract could utilize a camera in the kitchen to monitor dish cleanliness. If dirty dishes are left unattended for an hour, the contract could automatically trigger divorce proceedings. Furthermore, the financial repercussions could be severe, with alimony doubled for such transgressions.
Prenup Scenario 5: AI-Monitored Flirtation Detection
What if your spouse could monitor your interactions for flirtation? With the integration of AI and Smart Contracts, this could become a reality. An AI system could analyze your messages for suggestive language, automatically triggering divorce if any flirtatious tones are detected. This scenario serves as a cautionary tale about the far-reaching implications of our words in a technologically governed relationship.
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