The Issues of Technological Advancement
In this millennium, dubbed “The Era of Technology” it is becoming increasingly uncommon for a family not to own a single electronic device. Ranging from cellular phones to microwaves, we as humans are inevitably becoming more and more dependent on electronic devices. The advancement of technology is mainly fueled by the ever-present natural instinct in human beings to find means to make living more convenient.This natural instinct partnered with the innovation of the human race will ensure the continuous growth of technology internationally. Many benefits come hand-in-hand with this and embrace it we should. For example, the advancement of technology has eliminated time as a constraint when it comes to communication. It also aids crime-fighting especially with Closed-Circuit Televisions becoming increasingly advanced and easy to use. These benefits among others are definitely a grace. While the advancement of technology brings to us millions of benefits, truth be told, there are actually as many or arguably more adverse effects. Unfortunately, most are ignorant and/or have very little awareness regarding the issues of technology advancement.
First and foremost, one growing major issue is our dependency on technology. We are becoming increasingly dependent on electronic devices such as computers, smartphones like the iPhone and the Samsung Galaxy s3, television sets, laptops and others for our everyday existence. This dependency means that when, for example, a computer malfunctions, humans are rendered somewhat useless until that computer is fixed and usable again. This overdependency on technology will be damaging to humans in the long run as it make us less and less self-reliant. The decay of our self-reliance, will eventually result in humans having inadequate living skills.
Next, the advancement of technology also causes another major problem in the deterioration of human contact. As can easily be seen at shopping malls and restaurants, while families are spending the day or the night together, most of the time, they are all using their respective phones, iPads or gaming devices. In addition, chatting over an online website as well as sending text messages back and forth is becoming such a norm that real-life communication is becoming a foreign activity and many would much prefer to stay behind a computer to communicate rather than meet someone face to face. This, without any action will lead to a future society where humans simply do not interact with each other physically. This is a horrifying vision considering human interaction is vital in the strengthening of bonds and relationships between acquaintances, family members and strangers alike. Without that interaction, we will slowly, but surely crumble as a society.
Furthermore, while advancement of technology has greatly benefited the education system, it has also brought along a number of adverse effects. For example, students are finding it easier and easier to cheat when it comes to completing their given homework and assignments. More and more students are just copying things off the internet instead of doing and applying research as was the original intention of the teacher or lecturer. This plagiarism tendency will result in a redundant education system as students would not be gaining anything substantial. Besides that, technology advancement in the field of video gaming and social networking has greatly impacted students and the youth. Many students with the access to computers misuse the computer by spending hours playing video games and social networking. The mismanagement of time by students who are still young and irrational will impact their study routine and cause a society of sedentary and unhealthy students.
To conclude, while technology advancement brings millions of benefits to our lives, it also brings an equal magnitude of negativities. While we enjoy these benefits, we must constantly be wary of the issues arising from technological advancement. Therefore, as responsible human beings, we must not allow ourselves to be controlled by technological devices but, rather, to only use them as tools to further improve our lives for the well-being of our very own selves, a bright future for our offspring and theirs and, most importantly, the continuation of the existing stability of society. All in all, the future is here. Let us, the creators of the creations, stay in control. Not the other way around.