Tuesday, August 28, 2012

To have technology or to not have technology, that is the question.


   In today’s time, technology is continuously growing to help us connect with all over the world. It’s fast, interesting, resourceful, flashy, and fun.  I love the fact that I can find answers in a second. And isn’t that what we all want? An immediate answer or response? Also, technology is always growing. In the 90’s, email was a huge thing, but now? There are so many attractive things about technology; it makes us want and want, even to the point where it becomes a need.

   That is the negative aspect of technology. It can become an addiction. When I was a child in the 90’s, the dinner table was about connecting with your family. But now, it’s quite different. Everyone is responding to the outside world and isn’t looking or appreciating what’s in front of them. You aren’t present for the daily routine you share with your family you’re just locked in this machine that can take away from a real life connection. Also, it’s as if your complete focus on the outside world is gone. The question is, is it more positive to have technology like iPhones, computers OR is it way more beneficial to have without? Matt Richtel quoted in the New York Times, “Scientists say juggling e-mail, phone calls and other incoming information can change how people think and behave. They say our ability to focus is being undermined by bursts of information” (Richtel) I have a friend that grew up with no television or computer in her house. Now since that is a slower way to find answers or communicate, the positive outcome is she gained so much knowledge and wasn’t consumed by anything. Yes, she was “outdated” like all of our grandmothers, but she experienced life differently than us, she actually was present.

 Though technology has its negatives, it would be far too late to stop it now. We are already consumed. But most importantly, technology assists our everyday lives and sadly, the world wouldn’t be a better place without it, maybe


Source: Richtel, Matt. "YOUR BRAIN ON COMPUTERS; Hooked on Gadgets, and Paying a Mental Price." The New York Times. The New York Times, 07 June 2010. Web. 27 Aug. 2012. <http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/07/technology/07brain.html?pagewanted=all>.

2 comments:

  1. I definitely agree with the idea that family dynamics have shifted in today's world. I wish I could say that I haven't let technology interfere with my family life, but I'm absolutely a culprit. I find myself texting my mother something when we are both in the house. It's sad that the world has come to that point, but it seems like we don't know any other way to live.

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  2. I agree with your ideas in this post. Although my own family life hasn't "yet" been changed by the influence of technology, I have seen many of my friends families fall to the all mighty technology. A few of my friends parents have turned their discipline into forms of "technology deprivation" such as if they get in trouble. Instead of taking the car keys or not allowing them to do anything, they will take their phone or phone charger so they wont be able to contact any of their friends.

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