Hypermobility (travel)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Hypermobility is a term coined by Professor John Adams of University College, London, to describe the societal changes that have happened in the latter part of the 20th century when humans have suddenly gained the ability to travel much greater distances with ease than in previous generations, and frequently do so. The changes are brought about locally due to the use of cars and highways, and internationally by airplanes. Some of the consequences of hypermobility include:[1]
- more polarisation between rich and poor
- more anonymous and less convivial communities
- more crime ridden as society is polarised
- less cultural variation
- more dangerous for those not in cars
- fatter and less fit people
- transport systems unable to keep up with the growth in demand.
- society becomes less democratic.
Ironically, the growth of the internet for use as a communication medium is seen as a contributory factor towards hypermobility due to the increased ease which it enables travel plans to be organized.[2]
Solutions to the problems posed by hypermobility and its resulting pressure on the transport system include punative taxation.[3]
[edit] References
- ^ "Hypermobility: The road to ruin", 11 December 1999.
- ^ "Gridlock? Blame the net", 21 November 2001.
- ^ Simon Jenkins. "Admit it, we're travel addicted. Let the taxman put the brakes on", The Times, 3 December 2006.
