Technology is a term used to refer to the practical application of science to suit our purposes. Currently, when there is wonderful progress in technological development, it is easy to think about the benefits of modern technology. However, it is argued that the application of science to suit various needs is able to destroy humankind. It is also certain that we are living in a period when science is limited only by our imagination. Consequently, this is the most commonly asked question: Is technological progress a way to self-destruction?
We are happy and proud of what our civilization achieved in the last century. Things that seemed impossible seventy or fifty years ago are common now in our daily routine. For example, in the past people had very simple ways of transportation, they used horses, camels or simply walked. In order to travel longer distances, people used to sail in ships.
Today, in a couple of hours we can reach the neighboring city, in half an hour we can get to work, and it takes only five minutes to drive to a grocery store. Voyages that required months before are achieved in hours with an airplane now. In one generation, the computer revolution has brought about mind-boggling changes that our ancestors could have never even imagined. It takes seconds to find any information on the internet and you can send a letter to a friend who might be living thousands of miles away at the click of the mouse.
Therefore, everything has become automated, fast and efficient. This everything was supposed to make our life easier, happier and less of a burden. However, did we ever stop to think about what price we must pay for these luxuries? Nothing is free in this life. What do we attribute to the new diseases and disorders, for example, obesity, laziness, and lack of personality development, in this age? A significant number of people are now jobless and others lack job security due to technology.
More and more people are now worried about the preservation of their privacy. Studies have shown that with the prevalence of personal automobiles, people have decreased their usual physical activity like walking and jogging. As a result, they became fatter and less healthy.
With the advance of communication technologies, smartphones, and online gaming, people stay at home more and talk to others less (Anderson, para. 4). People prefer to stay at home and watch TV instead of going to the neighbors for dinner, as it used to be in the old days. In fifty years to come, when science will be more advanced, imagine how people will even be more addicted to these communication technologies.
No one is claiming that the advance in technology should be halted completely. Frankly speaking, technology assists us to improve our lives. Therefore, technological progress ought to be managed in a livable non-life changing way (“The social effects of technology,” para.3). Alternatively, why should other needs such as adequate time with family, friends, and exercise be sacrificed at the altar of technology?
Children are nowadays immersed in a world of video games, instant messaging and 3-D avatars of themselves. Many kids have laptops, cell phones, and hand-held video games. Even adults have virtual worlds in internet games, simulating life, where they can jog, get married and have kids. We live in a virtual world. This leads to social isolation and depression.
Statistics state that approximately 5.3% of the U.S. population experiences severe depression due to a number of factors that includes lack of a social support system (Health Grades Inc). People live in big cities where there are millions of people around them and still they are lonely and have no one to talk to. In as much as technology can improve our way of doing things, it cannot replace the human touch.
In the last few decades, people created weapons that are able to destruct civilizations on this earth many times over. The main issue here is the proper application of this advance in knowledge. Some places on earth are now so polluted that no organism can live there.
What is fascinating is that while several individuals are living in poor conditions, their governments are using a large sum of money on weapon engineering. Is this the right thing to do? Finally, does technological progress make us more contented? This is not a simple question and everyone should reflect on it.
In conclusion, it is certain that if we are not careful, then we are on the road to self-destruction. Although technology is helpful to us, we should pay less attention to it. Technology ought to be the lesser component of our existence, rather than the larger. We would have healthier people living in this world. We would have less lonely individuals around us.
People would not be dying recklessly due to merciless use of weapons. Our stay on this planet would be more efficient if only we could control technology, and not allow technology to control every aspect of our lives.
Works cited
Anderson, Daniel. “Technology deletes social interaction.” The Pine log. 2009. Web.
Health Grades Inc.”Statistics by country for depression.” Wrong diagnosis. 2010. Web.
“The social effects of technology.” Socyberty. 2007. Web.