Khay’s Corner

TECHNOLOGY: FRIEND OR FOE?

There is no doubt that technology has taken a hold to our modern day lives. We have been so consumed with the latest gadget trends that we are isolating face to face interaction more and more. Many questions have aroused with thoughts that humanity has been ruined by modern advances in technology, while others have the notion that technology brings great innovation. I personally don’t believe that technology plays so much a part in the decline of ethics of humanity as mere human beings do, rather it contributes to the dummying down of our civilization.

We have seen the degeneration of intelligence technology can cause through texting and emailing. Words have become abbreviated; turning them into slang, the use for commas to separate fragments and conjunctions are rare, and we hardly ever use a period to end our sentences—making our linguistic skills go down the drain. Several people will argue that before all of these complexities we had a simple lifestyle and managed to sustain our existence pretty well. I can definitely see a valid point in that regard because as of now our earth is being destroyed by these luxuries. This raises a serious concern for our culture and lifestyle, but the very existence of humanity.

Although computers and cell phones are not the only form of technology that causes an awareness of global economics, our human aptitude is being questioned because of them. Many fear doomsday scenarios because of the technology we have adapted.  Take for example nanotechnology; is this going to bring about great innovation or will it lead to our demise? Dealing with such a advanced technology only poses the question, what if it gets in the wrong hands? We can look at these types of concerns in two ways:  1) is this going to make us more prevalent and succeed our predecessors or 2) will it further damage our survival?

As a whole, I don’t believe technology should be considered a negative phenomenon; but to allow it to continue to rule our perspectives on living and influence the way we are able to manage is of major concern. While a lot of individuals make a living from finding new ways of curing diseases, building bigger and better ways to develop new means of travel, as well as industries being formed to increase human capacity and productivity, the question remains as to whether we are doing too much. Some would rather go back to the days of simplicity, living off of the land and making a means out of earthly possessions. But one can’t stop the hands of time, we evolve so that we don’t go back.

Technology has to evolve because it is the nature of humans to progress farther than the generation before us.  Humans have overcrowded and overtaxed our planet; ironically, we have to keep inventing new things to squeeze more and more out of this precious land.  In essence the true point comes down to whether or not people are going to be responsible with the technology they have or are we as a whole going to abuse it. Ultimately, it’s up to the people that will accept technology’s positives to utilize them effectively.

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