Introduction
Technology is becoming an integral part of economies and private lives worldwide. Hardly can individuals, communities, and nations, especially developed ones, can carry their daily lives without making use of certain high-performance technologies (Byrnie, 2008, p. 256). This increased adaptation has affected societies in many different ways, most of which are beneficial and others that are harmful to the very societies that benefited from global technological advancements. To caution individuals and communities against any bad use that could result to harm, it is vital for societies, especially the leadership to consider regulating the use of technologies. This is the only way to ensure that technological advancements are used to only foster progress and not cause harm to the users. As a contribution to the debate, this essay will focus on the advantages of technology and several disadvantages that should be addressed by authorities or industrial organizations. A subsequent section of the paper shall reiterate several important points.
Advantages
The advancement in communication technologies has provided many people in the world with the ability to communicate with their peers worldwide. Indeed, communication technology has succeeded in opening up regions that had completely been locked from the rest of the world (Welfens, 1999, p 198). The entry of internet technology is the one that has helped communications to improve dramatically. This is because of the ease of using the technology and the little cost faced by users. Technology has also helped in alleviating millions of people from poverty. For instance, the outsourcing industry in Asia, especially India has resulted in millions of job opportunities for individuals who would otherwise be destitute or working in lesser paying jobs.
Because of the internet, companies in the western world have been able to concentrate on processes that are in line with their keys strengths while outsourcing other services to companies based in other countries (Brudenall, 2005, p. 188). The internet and communication technology have made it possible for people all over the world to increase trade with each other, a situation that is benefiting all people equally. For instance, websites like eBay and Amazon have created portals where consumers can order goods from virtually most developed nations. For instance, a student in the United States can buy textbooks at a cheaper price from the seller in places like Hong Kong. This is an opportunity that was not experienced by people just a decade ago. Other sites like Paypal have enabled individuals to establish virtual accounts that can be used in many trading all over the world. With such an account, individuals do not have to fear using their credit and debit cards in online shopping, all because technology has made it possible.
In the medical field, technological breakthroughs have made it possible to cure diseases that were historically considered incurable (Satava, 1995, p. 459). In addition, the ever-improvising medical technological research is leading to a position where diseases that are currently considered incurable would be brought under control. Stem cell research will for instance make it possible to cure diseases like Parkinson’s disease that is currently not well under control.
Disadvantages
The use of the internet in trading has necessitated the creation of large databases that are used to save private information. Having private information for hundreds of millions of online traders has increased identity theft, which refers to stealing other individuals’ private information for the sole purpose of using it to access finances or back credits (FTC, 2005 p. 4). Identity theft has indeed increased in the past few years the internet has become a central trading tool. Despite the benefits that accrue from the use of the internet in shopping and accessing private and financial data, users end up exposing themselves to identity theft crimes. The wealth of information available on the internet has been used for good causes. Indeed, people have been learning a lot of new ideas from the web, which is becoming the biggest source of information for all individual and societal needs. However, there also exists information that can be used to cause harm to society. For instance, it is possible to get data on how to make dangerous bombs that can be used to cause serious harm to humanity. In addition, all the materials needed in the process can be bought over the internet without raising any eyebrows from sellers and authorities.
Conclusion
Owing to the harm that could be caused to society by people with wrong intentions, society must employ preventative measures. This can be done at the legislative level or through trade organizations. Government should be at the forefront of enacting proper usage policies to be adopted by people in relevant communities. Regarding trade organizations, each industry that uses technology that could easily be applied in harmful activities must come up with regulations for proper usage and restricted access. In addition, community members should be obliged to help with the implementation of such policies. The collaboration of those three stakeholders would go a far way into guaranteeing proper usage of technology for the benefit of all mankind.
References
Brudenall, P. 2005. Outsourcing and Technology.
Byrnie, M. 2008. High on Technology. New York, Routledge.
Federal Trade Commission, 2004. Identity Theft. Washington, DC, FTC.
Satava, R. 1995. Interactive Technology in American Healthcare. IOS.
Welfens, P. 1999. Globalization and Innovation Dynamics. Boston, Springer.