The Exorcism of Technology

Is the absolute latest, most advanced technology necessary to live? Do we NEED the most recently released Nook or iPhone?

It doesn’t matter how you answered the above two questions, because society has already decided for us that our lives depend on the fastest, most pristine of technology on all spectrums. And that’s the problem right there…society has already decided for us. We—individuals—have not had a say in how far the Digital Age will go, nor the consequences of its rapid and powerful uprising.

Pros and Cons of Technology

            Without question technology has played a significant role in the modernization of our society.  With that said there are many reasons I like technology.  Technology allows me to connect and communicate with friends and family around the world in an instant.  Being a college student I see my friends and family less often then I am used to but technology like my iPhone, iPod touch and Mac laptop allow me the privilege of talking to them while at school.  Not only has technology provided me with a range of devices to allow me to keep in touch with others, but various ways of communicating as well.  Not only can I converse with people via email and text message but video chat allows me to connect visually with whom I am talking to.  Additionally, pros for technology, which I feel are crucial, are the extent of knowledge at our disposal.  As every college student knows writing papers consume a vast part of our experience and having the ability to stay in the comfort of our rooms and not walk or drive to a library is very helpful.  On the contrary, while there may be many benefits to technology as is with everything, there are downsides that often leave me frustrated with technology.

            Aside from the gains I receive from technology, I feel that it has many faults.  First, we tend to become dependent on technology, when it malfunctions we don’t know what to do next (Small Business).  I know first hand how frustrating it is to lose a cell phone; it is a part of me in a sense.  Secondly, I believe that technology distances us from the use of personal contact with others.  It seems like these days for example people prefer texting about an issue rather than resolving it face to face.  Finally, there is a constant need to stay up to date with the latest technology available.  This becomes not only time consuming, but costly as well.

Joseph, Chris. "Pros and Cons of Technology in Business Today." Small Business.

     Demand Media, n.d. Web. 19 Jan. 2012. <http://smallbusiness.chron.com/

     pros-cons-technology-business-today-2709.html>.

A Double Edged Sword

         We all know that computers help us keep in touch with friends, keep us entertained, help us do taxes, let us order pizza and track its delivery in real time, (I love it, and admit it; you do too) and so much more. Without computers, the Large Hadron Collider wouldn't have been able to carry out its research, or record the results- a full 15 petabytes of data yearly. Without imaging technology, detecting cancer (and treating, by extension) would be nearly impossible. Computers make our lives easier for sure, and make the seemingly impossible happen daily. For example, can you believe that Google has at its disposal an entire copy of the internet just so you can find out how fast a cheetah can run?
         As useful as computers are, we are endangering ourselves by incorporating them into our work and personal life. If the GPS system piloting the plane you're on fails or miscalculates, or the auto-pilot system fails, there's a chance you'll go down. Granted this doesn't happen very often, we still accept the risks that our technology could backfire. But when it does, do the ends justify the means? Before you decide, here's something you should consider.
         A computer virus called Stuxnet seems to have delayed Iran's nuclear options by wiping out one fifth of their nuclear centrifuges. You could argue that in this case the vulnerability has benefited us, but the situation remains as a reminder that next time, the failure may affect you. While the origin of Stuxnet is still unknown, some believe that the virus was developed as a joint operation between the United States and Isreal. Whether or not this is true, it certainly is possible. The takedown of the PSN and HBGary's 60,000+ leaked emails show that dedicated groups and individuals can and do regularly target others, using technology's failures to fuel their own agenda. Technology is a double edged sword- there's no doubt about it- and while you may decide you don't want to risk it personally, the world will continue into the technical age with or without you.

Oh, and don't say I didn't warn you the next time your printer runs out of ink at 3:00am.

"Worldwide LHC Computing Grid." European Organization for Nuclear Research. CERN, n.d. Web. 18 Jan 2012.

2010. 2010. Video. YouTubeWeb. 18 Jan 2012. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNHR6IQJGZs>.

"Stuxnet." Times Topics. (2011): n. page. Web. 18 Jan. 2012. <http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/subjects/c/computer_malware/stuxnet/index.html>.

Goldman, Tom. "PSN Attack to Cost Sony At Least $170 Million." Escapist: News. 23 7 2011: n. page. Web. 18 Jan. 2012.

Matthew Inman. Why I Believe Printers Were Sent From Hell To Make Us Miserable. N.d. Graphic. The OatmealWeb. 18 Jan 2012. <http://s3.amazonaws.com/theoatmeal-img/comics/printers/timing.png>.

Communication Vs. Functionality

I have a brother three years younger than I, and growing up with him has made me realize how fast our technology is changing. Whenever new technology came out, he wanted it, and it was funny to me, because I would always think, “I didn’t have that when I was younger, you can live without it.” But even though technology is always changing, I am happy about it in some ways. What I am most thankful about it is being able to keep in contact with all my friends. On the other hand, technology keeps changing, and that makes it hard to keep up with the new updates and everything else one might need to make it function correctly.

            Communication is very important in my life. I grew up in upstate New York and now attend college in Pennsylvania. True, the distance is not that far in comparison to others who attend my school, but far enough that I cannot go and drive back home for a weekend. The fact I have a cellphone to call my parents whenever I want is also a huge plus for me. I am close to my parents, so knowing that whenever I have a problem, or want to tell them exciting news, they are only a press of a couple buttons away, makes me very happy with how far technology has gone. Also, this past semester I was abroad in Northern Ireland, and it was hard to call them as easily as it was at college. Instead I was able to use Skype on my laptop, yet another part of technology that I love. And not only with my family, but my friend’s back at home, or even at college; I was able to keep in touch with all of them, no matter how far away. Skype originated in 2003, and since then has continued to improve the program.[1] So within the last 8 years (almost 9) Skype has made a huge name for itself, with it being accessible from one’s TV, cellphone, or computer.[2] My life would be a little harder if I couldn’t keep in contact with all of them as easily.

            Technology is always changing, and the fact that it is, makes it hard to keep up with the advances. And when finally one buys a new piece of technology, to then be told that there is part of it that doesn’t work properly, its frustrating. One because that person just bought it, and second because how many people actually know how to fix the technology they have in their house, nonetheless brand new technology. Computers have been out for a while, getting smaller, coming in all shapes and sizes, and overall most people know the simple ways of fixing their computers if something small happens. When something bigger happens, then it is time to pick up the phone and hopefully get a person to help them that way. I understand that we can’t all be technology experts, knowing how to fix anything if something happens to our technology, but it is frustrating when out of no where, someone’s technology decides it doesn’t want to work that day. I do understand that compared to years before, what we used to have wasn’t as easy as we are making our lives now.

            Technology has definitely changed our lives over time; especially mine for both the positives and the negatives. I am sure that around the time I want to have a family, the technology will have improved that much more, and things I talk about today will be things of the past. Until then, I am glad about the communication in my life, and hope to improve my knowledge in how certain technologies work, so that I have a better chance in fixing them.

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[1] Author, Watrous, Lucinda & Editor Linda Richter. A Brief History of Skype. Bright Hub. 2012. http://www.brighthub.com/office/collaboration/articles/6109.aspx

[2] Bates, Tony (President). About Skype. Skype 2012.   http://about.skype.com/

Technology's Effect on Education

            Technology has had great influence on all aspects of modern life. New teaching and learning technologies have had important effects in every time period. When our grandparents went to grade school the most exciting technologies were chalkboards and pencil sharpeners. Today, teachers extensively use the Internet to access information or communicate and share teaching styles with others. Technology has enabled teachers to engage their students making topics more exciting and fun to learn and study. There are interactive tools that allow the instructor to work through a calculus problem with the class or  Online databases have also made researching for projects and essays all the more easy for students. Access to scholarly journals and a wider range of information have improved students’ learning process and produced better outcomes.

While technology has tremendously aided teachers and students and progressed the way the world learns, it has also stunted normal social interaction, especially in young adults. Students no longer need to have face-to-face contact with their professor or even other students while working on a group project. E-mail, cell phones, and social networks have made it incredibly easy to communicate with others without physically being present. Today’s communication networks are far more extensive than telephones and fax machines. Text messages and twitter updates are now a new accepted form of distraction that teachers must put up with. While students have improved methods to learn at school, they are losing important social skills that are a significant part of schooling at a young age. Young adults and children will grow up with limited social interactions that they will need once they make it into the professional world.                                                                      

                                                                                                                                             Tugui, Alexandru. 2011. "Calm Technologies: A New Trend for Educational Technologies."                                                                                     World Future Review 3, no. 1: 64-72. Academic Search Premier, EBSCOhost (accessed January 18,                 18,   2012).

Technology: The Bright Side

                 Most people are fully aware that technology is ever-changing, mainly due to the fact that we all are greatly affected by the changes that take place within technology. It is essential in our daily lives. It serves as a very important factor for us and also creates many different opportunities for us.

                  Technology appears to be extremely useful in many different aspects. It is purposeful for us when speaking of health, because there are always continuous advancements and even breakthroughs in modern technology that in turn prevent certain illnesses or create better chances of finding cures. It also serves as a big factor in communication. It helps us to connect to others from all around the world, just by a click of a computer mouse or the simple act of pressing a button on a phone. Technology makes finding desired information easier and quickly accessible. I think the biggest advantage of technology is our ability to gain a great amount of knowledge from technology. We can learn an endless amount of new things from it, therefore we acquire very vital information necessary to us in our daily lives.

               While technology can clearly be seen as a very positive thing, it can also tend to have some negative aspects that arise as well. I personally dislike how difficult it can be when something goes wrong with the technology. One minor mishap tends to negatively impact and affect the whole system.

                This can be demonstrated in an article written by Aaron Hogue who writes on substance abuse in college-age alcohol users. He refers to different treatments, and also speaks on technology. He mentions "the technology approach has spearheaded enormous gains in laboratory-based research on empirically based treatment implementation . . . However, several noteworthy glitches in the technology approach have persistently occurred in addictions treatments. Because many of these glitches have arisen in high-profile, well-controlled studies, they are not easily dismissed as random or marginal. Three glitches seem particularly troublesome."

                While pointing a potentially negative aspect of technology but pointing out numerous positives, we see that technology can increase our knowledge and especially help us in our every day lives. We can also look forward to the future to what else technology has in store for us.

                                      

Source: Hogue, Aaron. "When Technology Fails: Getting Back to Nature." Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice 17.1 (2010): 77-81. Print.

Oh Siri, how I love thee.

Technology has definitely through the ages formed fissures in human interdependence.  I have found that some people feel a sense of importance with the idea of ownership comes into play, and when an object can confirm or refute information to the user it adds a little flavor to the love cycle between a person and their owned technology. Don’t get me wrong, I love good technology, I’m sure I love it more than the next guy; but when it comes down to the distancing effect it causes we begin to see the dilemmas it raises in current society.

Societies dependence on technology, Good or Bad?

            Technology today has become interwoven in to our culture so much so that we are dependent on it. It can do amazing things that before it we would not be able to do. Today's cell phones have more memory than computers that took up entire rooms in the 1970s.

            One great example of how technology is a good thing for society are computers. Computers control much more of our lives than we think. One example of this is how computer systems control our world. Without computer systems you would not have electricity or heat let alone the Internet or the ability to get money out of an ATM machine. Computers have been around for over 40 years and are one of the most important if not the most important technological inventions of the 20th century. Computers are what keep nuclear power plants for overheating and melting down. Another example of how a computer keeps our lives running in order is when we get on our smart phones. Smart phones are in reality handheld computers. You can get on them and check your twitter, Facebook, email, pay bills and do pretty much anything you could want to do all from a remote location. Computers are now having an effect on governments on the other side of the globe. One example of this is how a "computer hacker hacked in to an Iranian nuclear computer and put their development of nuclear devices back years.”(Levs).

            Although technology has made our lives much easier and better it has also created a monster. We are so dependent on technology and computers that without it our world would come to a screeching halt. Computers run everything that we are used to having from the traffic systems to the planes we fly in. Everything is controlled by computers. This is why when they fail or when they don’t go fast enough we have a hard time getting around. Computers are an amazing invention but the dependence we have created could be a problem in the future if they fail.

                                                                       Biblography

Levs, Josh. "Sabotage, bombings, sanctions: A growing web of pressure over Iran." CNN. TurnerBroadcsatSystems,01/05/2012.Web.18Jan2012.<http://www.cnn.com/2012/01/18/world/            meast/iransecretcampaign/index.html?section=cnn_latest>.

Obsessed with Technology?

Technology has a profound impact on many children and teenagers lives as they grow up in a world that revolves around technology. But when does technology go from improving lives to taking over lives? This is one important question that was researched by South Coast Today in 2010.

Technology, also can impact people's lives daily in good ways, such as communicating with friends and family that are long distances away, providing us with information whether it is important daily news or a pointless fact, providing transportation from technology placed in cars, and providing live streams to your television when your favorite sporting event is on.  Technology is a great thing and makes not only things at home easier, but also in the work place.  But when does technology cross the line, especially for teens?

Many teenagers get caught up in technology to the point of losing focus on the important things in life such as school and family.  South Coast Today told a story of a 13 year old girl who was completely obsessed with her cell phone to the point where she would sometimes fall asleep in her school clothes clutching her phone.  Children age 8 to 18 devote around 7 hours and 38 minutes a day using some type of media technology.  Just think what 7 hours and 38 minutes of their day could be otherwise used for:  Exercise, Schoolwork, or even family bonding time. 

How we fix this problem is going through many people’s minds.  I feel technology could be used in schools and on at home school programs to help children to better learn their subjects and do their homework efficiently.  Homework could even be put into game mode, such as doing a math problem in order to play one round of a video game.  Learning and technology can be put together to further a child’s education and keep children interested and involved in learning.  Technology is a great thing as long as we use it correctly and give children the proper direction to also use technology to improve their learning and communicaation skills. 

Press, The Associated. "An Overdose of Technology? Some Teens Obsessed, Grades Suffer | SouthCoastToday.com." SouthCoastToday.com. South Coast Today, 26 Jan. 2010. Web. 18 Jan. 2012. http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100126/EDU/1260304.

Baxter, John. "The Good and the Bad Things About Technology." Yahoo! Voices - Voices.yahoo.com. 7 Oct. 2009. Web. 18 Jan. 2012. <http://voices.yahoo.com/the-good-bad-things-technology-4584097.html>.

Blog 1

Technology has made our lives easier and has helped speed up ordinary tasks in our daily routine. For example, a microwave helps food cook faster; the internet allows us to receive information faster and helps us stay connected with our friends, family, coworkers, etc.; a laptop computer allows us to have internet access all around the world; a cell phone lets us stay in touch with one another. Overall, technology has allowed us to do our tasks at a faster pace and use our time doing other things.  

Even though technology is fast, it does have multiple downsides—one being it has replaced in-person conversation. Technology has its faults and therefore should not be relied on 100%, especially to replace conversation between live individuals.  Talking with others via computers or cell phones lacks personal contact. One could misread someone’s sarcastic comment and take it very seriously. Don’t get me wrong, having these devices has allowed us to meet new people and stay in touch with others, but it has negatively affected face-to-face contact.

Patti Wood, a communication consultant, was asked if social web sites were spoiling verbal conversation; she observed the following: “The idea of being present in the moment is disappearing. Oftentimes we devalue our current situation — the friends and family around us, our surroundings and setting — for something going on somewhere else, somewhere that seems far more interesting than what is right in front of us” (Snow, 2009). More people are spending more time using the internet and social websites to communicate with one another rather than in-person contact. Social skills are beginning to decline.  

According to Hunter, the American community is collapsing and we are relying more on non-physical means of communication. Therefore, the values of each connection are lessened and there are not as many benefits. It is important, however, to keep in mind the importance of face-to-face communication (Hunter).

Hunter, Brad. "The Subtle Benefits of Face-To-Face Communication." Stanford University. Web. 17 Jan. 2012. <http://www.stanford.edu/class/symbsys205/facetoface.html>.

Snow, Blake. "Are Social Web Sites Spoiling In-Person Conversation? — Tech News and Analysis." GigaOM. 1 May 2009. Web. 17 Jan. 2012. <http://gigaom.com/2009/05/01/are-social-web-sites-spoiling-in-person-conversation/>.

Intuitivity vs. Complexity

            Truthfully, there are a lot of things that I both love and hate about technology, and some things that engender both at once. However, the first two that came to mind were the intuitive nature of technology, specifically the path that it is progressing on, and the complexity and intensive need of technology to be cared for carefully and exactly.

True Life: I'm Addicted to the Internet

What is the air-speed velocity of an unladen swallow? What is Lady Gaga's real name? In the past, the answers to these questions would have been quite difficult to find. One would have to find a book, or read a newspaper. In modern times, the answer can be found at the click of the mouse. The evolution of technology, the Internet especially, has substantially enriched the lives of those searching for answers. There are endless articles and even medical journals waiting for curious students or just curious internet-goers to find. This positive aspect of technology seems perfect, but what happens when it takes away from social lives, and even causes psychological damage? 

"While our culture heralds the Internet as a technological wonder, there are suggestions that Internet use has a negative influence on individuals and their social skills. A recent study conducted by Carnegie Mellon University concludes that Internet use leads to small but statistically significant increases in misery and loneliness and a decline in overall psychological well-being" (American Psychological Association, 1998). Social networking sites and online chat rooms allow people to be more open about their lives, and even be extreme extroverts when they are in deed absolute introverts. You can be whomever you want on the internet. This causes a reality gap between the virtual world and the real world. Social skills begin to decline, and the only time people can be happy is on the computer. This cycle can causes extreme depression. People need to interact with others face to face. It is part of the human condition. The impersonal nature of technology is a negative aspect in my opinion; therefore internet use and the use of technology in general should be limited.

American Psychological Association (1998). Internet paradox -social technology that reduces social involvement and psychological well-being? American Psychologist,53, 1017-1031

With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility

I love the speed of technology, and how the advances are changing our world. I think it’s amazing that I can set up a dinner reservation or order a pizza on my iTouch, or connect with people I haven’t seen on years on social networking sites. I think that social networking is an amazing phenomenon that our generation has really embraced. It’s possible to make the argument that social networks are a negative influence for their ability to open young minds to things they perhaps should not be privy to at such a young age, but I also believe there is some (hopefully a lot) of influence from parents that would help to avoid this, but that’s another argument altogether. Even things as simple as a remote car starter are such a simple, brilliant idea to me, and I cannot wait to see what the future brings.

I do think that there is a ‘dark side’ to technology as well. Because of the social networking sites I just praised, relationships are formed completely differently. As a communications major, I feel obliged to make the argument (I agree with it, of course) that technology is hurting personal relationships. I also feel that it is a hindrance to simple social skills. Because I could theoretically go my entire life without making a phone call for a dinner reservation, perhaps I wouldn’t know how to treat wait staff appropriately at a restaurant. If eventually no one knows how to treat wait staff nicely, they’d all quit! (Okay, maybe not all of them, but I imagine many would become bitter enough to swear off working with people altogether, I know I would!)

Many friendships are made via Facebook, and people are so used to talking to others via Facebook chat, tweets and e-mail that I worry that in the future, no one will really be able to claim “people skills” as one of their positive qualities in a job interview. Perhaps they will note their “ability to send a concise e-mail,” but I think that the ability to communicate well is one of the most valuable qualities in a person.

Shannon Webster, an author with Demand Media discusses how e-mail was one of the first major changes in communication. Although it is a more effective way of transferring thoughts and ideas to others, it takes away the subtleties such as sarcasm, or a good-heartedness that may be missed in an e-mail. She also discusses the potential unwanted effects that social media can have on a person’s life. One poorly tagged photo on Facebook could get you reprimanded at work, or a mean comment could cost you your job. Although the power to reach out to so many people simultaneously seems great, it comes with great responsibility.

Webster, Shannon. "What Are the Positive & Negative Effects of Using Technology to Communicate?" Chron.com. Demand Media. Web. 17 Jan. 2012.