We can see the constant changes of technology in two different ways: positive or negative. There are two sides to most issues, and naturally people have different viewpoints. Would one rather live in a world with so many changes that it is impossible to take the necessary time to adapt to them? Or would one take a liking to all of those changes and admire the fact that our world is becoming more and more advanced each day and altering the future? Are people afraid of what the technological future potentially has in store for us?
An important topic arises when speaking of the advancements (or the danger of advancements) in technology; the future. Some may feel that what we do today has a direct effect on the future. Our advancements in technology happen so quickly that we do not have the opportunity to even absorb them. People feel that technology is taking over our lives, and that we eventually won't serve any purpose due to the fact that technology can complete everything for us. It is a very strong tool that we need to know how to use with a certain amount of caution.
When speaking of the effects technology has on the future, the issue of our youth comes into play. Young people are the ones who are most affected by technology evolving by day. They are the ones who will have to live with the changes, and they can control whether technology can take over our everyday lives and our independent power. "Statistics show children today spend an average of six hours a day in front of a TV, on the phone, or listening to music. . . Too much visual and auditory stimulation hinders creativity and social skills. Excess TV fosters disinterest in physical activity, emotional problems, inattentiveness, and the reduced ability to distinguish between fiction and reality." (Fletcher). As demonstrated in this quote, the younger generation can be directly changed by the constant uses of technology. They can potentially become so dependent on it, which may be too dependent.
We need to acknowledge the rise of technology and it's potential to change the world around us. It can still be admired, but we need to take the necessary measures to control it and how we use it.
Source: "The Pros and Cons of Advancing Technology - by Terra L. Fletcher - Helium." Helium - Where Knowledge Rules. Web. 24 Jan. 2012. <http://www.helium.com/items/1818134-technology-blessing-or-curse>.
I agree with your ideas, but it brings about the questions, is it the fault of the parents or the fault of technology? Couldn't parent's simply limit TV/video game time so that kids are forced to go outside and play with their neighbors? Marketing executives work hard to encourage children to stay in front of their new & fancy electrical products - but parents are the ones with the ultimate say, don't you think?
ReplyDeleteI, too, agree with your ideas, and your quote from Terra L. Fletcher. Just looking at my own life, I know I spend way too much time at my computer, whether it is doing silly tasks like checking my e-mail or facebook, to working hours on homework. After a while, I have to stop and go onto something else, because my eyes hurt from looking at the screen. I have a brother, who is three years younger than I, and he has definitely grew up in more of the technological world. My parents and I joke that we will never see him again because he is always in his room watching a movie on his iPod. Going to Maeve's comment, about is it the parents fault or technology. I believe it is a bit of both. I am not saying my parents are bad because my brother has an iPod, and he is constantly on it. They have tried countless times to get him, out of the room, to do different activities, have his friends over, and I feel like the nagging over the years has made him better, but ultimately, the decision becomes that person. My brother will be 18 this year, an adult, so he should be able to make his own decisions. BUT his decisions can be greatly influenced by the technology/media all around us. Advertisers do a very good job in making us want things we don't want. I don't know if you saw the presentation by Mike Daisey last Thursday, but he said something along the lines of... one of the greatest 'miracles' was that Steve Jobs made us want things we never knew we wanted. It's crazy how much our lives are controlled by others, and most of us don't realize that. Although, I do agree the parents should have the ultimate say, but some situations might be out of our hands after a while.
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