People becoming overly reliant on technology

 

Machines, computers, automobiles, and aeroplanes were all made possible by technological advancements. It made the world smaller by offering effective communication tools, enabled exploration of the solar system and the universe, and demonstrated the importance of technology in human progress.

There's no doubting that technology is beneficial, but are humans growing overly reliant on it? Humans have been able to perform things that were previously impossible because of technological advancements, and many tasks have become much easier. How many of us can go a week without using the internet or our phones? Do individuals nowadays take the time to memorize phone numbers? Humans have become so accustomed to technology that the prospect of living without it is terrifying. What would happen if we were forced to live without our electronic devices? What would happen if everyone's technology suddenly stopped working?

According to www.debate.org, a large majority of respondents believe that humans are becoming overly reliant on technology. "Have people become unduly reliant on technology?" asks the poll question. Eighty-four per cent replied yes and sixteen per cent said no. Here are some instances of poll responses.

YES

"Yes, I believe that many people have become overly reliant on technology." Humans rely on electronics for anything from simple actions like adding numbers in their heads rather than using a calculator to more complex chores like growing a garden. People in America rarely walk or ride bicycles; instead, they prefer to drive everywhere, even if it is just a short distance. I'm not sure how many people would be able to live if technology suddenly vanished."

"The world is changing, and technology is becoming more integrated into every aspect of our life. We are losing our ability to take care of ourselves in an organic and natural way as a result of this new reliance. Consider how GPS technologies have altered people's travel habits. People nowadays can't even read a map."

NO

"The issue is not one of technology. It's the way we employ it. Everything would be OK if we just used it as a tool rather than a way to avoid reality. It's the individuals who sit around all day playing video games who make it appear that way."

"I've heard it said that life is much more difficult without technology. We all know this, yet the major aim of technology is to make life easier. We shouldn't assume that just because we rely on something, we can't survive without it. Sure, it will be more difficult because we are accustomed to it, but it is not impossible."

Google and Novartis announced two years ago that they would collaborate on a new generation of smart contact lenses that can monitor blood sugar and repair eyesight problems. This is a significant step forward for technology. The project has yielded positive outcomes that will eventually benefit individuals in their daily lives. Critics' main concern, though, is how our technological habits influence our behaviour and cognitive capabilities. Some smartphone users, for example, feel compelled to check their phone as soon as they get up and at regular times throughout the day, which can be distracting.

The Effects of Technology

Technology has its advantages and disadvantages. Here are just a few of them:

1. Entertainment

There's no need to leave the house if you want to be entertained. There's no way you'll squander money on gas or time stuck in traffic. It's pointless to get out of bed, shower, and dress up when you can just lie on the couch and watch Netflix. Microsoft and Nintendo have even released Kinect and Wii, which track your movements in real-time and imitate them in the games you play on their own platforms. Bowling, tennis, a shooting game, and fishing are all options. You can see the problem: why do the real thing when you can do it at home?

2. Social

The term "social" today has a completely new connotation. When you say "social" or that you're going to a "social event," you used to suggest that you were going somewhere to mingle or party with other people. You genuinely greet, converse, possibly form friendships, and engage in social activities with others. When people say you're "social," they usually mean you're on social media. You have many social media accounts; older people almost certainly had "Friendster" and "Mirc" accounts, followed by "MySpace," "Facebook," "Instagram," and "Twitter." Being social nowadays entails having a large number of "friends" on your contact list, even if you don't know most of them. In the digital realm, people are more willing to chat or interact than they are in the physical world.

However, social media is not entirely terrible because it can be quite useful in business. Customers and prospects are connected and engaged on a more personal level through social media. The masses also utilize social media to distribute news and anything else relevant that has the ability to affect a country's or region's political landscape. You can also utilize social media to track long-lost relatives or acquaintances and reconnect with them.

3. Travel

The GPS system stands for Global Positioning System. This technology was once a top-secret military weapon used in covert operations. It was a shocker when the technology was made available to the general public. GPS is used in commercial flights, recreational activities that need location, and other positioning applications. Previously, portable GPS systems were a separate device that was somewhat expensive; now, smartphones and cars now come with built-in GPS.

Many individuals believe that the day will come when people will no longer be able to read paper maps and that a large proportion of young people will have no idea how to navigate through city streets without utilizing GPS.

4. Chatting

When was the last time you called someone just to talk or have an hour-long conversation? Text messages, emails, and online chat tools and platforms are used for the majority of our remote interactions today. Some people despise admitting it, yet there are occasions when using emoticons is faster and easier than saying the words they represent. The receiver, on the other hand, may find it irritating since they will believe you are too lazy to type the things you need to express. Compassion is another thing that is rapidly vanishing behind these fake approximations of human feeling via chat platforms. Make an attempt to contact someone. It's possible that you'll appreciate it!

5. Finding Answers

Years ago, you had to physically travel to the library and spend time looking for certain books in order to acquire precise answers to specific issues. Google, Wikipedia, YouTube, and other knowledge-based websites are now available. Thousands of reference books have also been scanned, converted to digital format, and uploaded to the internet.

Google, the well-known search engine, has simplified the process of discovering answers. However, for many others, nothing compares to the feel and scent of picking up a new book and reading it wherever you like.

Conclusion

Technology is a fantastic thing, and we are without a doubt living in an age of technical progress. It should come as no surprise that these complicated technologies are now plainly becoming a part of practically every aspect of our life. There's no denying that high-tech gadgets have improved our lives and made things easier.