There are some conversations that have transcended many a years and generations and are a topic of discussion even today, because they are – for lack of a better word – timeless. One social commentary, however, that may not have been debated years ago but relates specifically to the current state of the world is in relation to technology, and by extension the extent to which people depend on it to execute their various tasks throughout the day.
Are people too dependent on technology? Here are some possible arguing points for those who agree with the statement and those who do not:
FOR
Memory problems?
In the eyes of many, one of the biggest indicators to the notion that individuals are becoming too dependent on technology is demonstrated in their ability to remember particular dates or similar pieces of information. Many (if not all) of the devices used on a day to day basis – laptops, tablets, smart phones etc – have a calendar or reminder component that can notify the user as to a particular event at a specific hour or day of the week. With this, the responsibility to remember an important date – a friend’s birthday, perhaps – is to an extent transferred from the individual to the device.
It is a similar case for social media platforms such as Facebook as well, as there are those who utilize the network to keep them aware of such events. How many of you reading this can readily state the birthdays of your five closest friends? Let’s say you can, how many could you recall 10 years ago without any sort of “technological” help? A likely answer is a lot more than five.
Another similar point is in relation to the ability to remember a phone number. Given the fact that the freedom is there to store contact information on a device, it appears to be a growing trend that the need to remember those details becomes non-existent for some, so much so that they are all but stranded if the battery life on any of these devices is exhausted. As such, even if they were to borrow a phone – unless that person just happens to have the number of someone they want to call – it would essentially make no difference whatsoever.
A (now) Conventional Addiction
This could have easily been the opening statement for the claim, but there is no need to rank them in order of significance, is there? It is not hard to believe that there are many individuals who simply cannot function throughout a day without their phones or other mobile devices – a technological addiction.
In the past, if someone had left their phones at home, they would probably have waved it off as nothing and gone about their day as if nothing had changed. Presently, there are some who would probably never get to such a realization when they have already left the house, because they certainly wouldn’t have walked through the door without it in hand.
As a result of this need to always be in contact with a particular device, many make the claim that certain inter-personal/communicative skills are lost. Some individuals for instance, have a major online presence, but appear hesitant and withdrawn when engaging in a conversation with someone face-to-face.
AGAINST
Putting it to use
It’s simple – the technology is there, so use it. This more or less sums up what anyone would say to the notion that the dependent on technology is “too much”. Essentially, in their eyes it is not too much, but just right as relying on something does not mean that one is dependent.
Truth be told, when many raise the issue, their argument is oftentimes concentrated on electronics and the corresponding software to said devices, but technology certainly involves a lot more. For many industries, technological improvements have only worked to increase productivity and efficiency, and enabled the powers that be to provide customers with a better product or service.
- Safer vehicles, for example
The automobile industry is an ideal example of this. Features such as anti-lock brakes and night vision sensors are not being incorporated to make drivers any less attentive or focused when behind the steering wheel, but instead increases the likelihood that they can keep themselves and their loved ones safe when on the road.
- Doctors benefit too
The ability to improve the quality of service delivered by health care professionals is also a major talking point for those who are against the notion that people are too dependent on technology. The level of influence on the sector stretches from making a more accurate diagnosis to the extent that surgeons can utilize 3D-printers to create a replica of a particular body organ they will be working on. With this, they can essentially have a “dry run” of the procedure versus being introduced to all possible complications when they are actually in the operating room.
In essence, technology is simply an enhancer to certain processes; it is not intended to be a replacement for anyone or anything.
Though the existing argument may not have even been up for debate 20 years ago, it is hard to imagine that it won’t be a popular talking point from this generation onwards. While the ability to perform certain “basic” skills without technology may be on the decline, there is no denying that without utilizing it to the fullest, we would be worse off today.
Are People too Dependent on Technology?
No comments:
Post a Comment