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 motorways, and internationally by aeroplanes. 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 organised.[2]
Solutions to the problems posed by hypermobility and its resulting pressure on the transport system include punative taxation.[3]
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