The Relationship between Technology and Modern Life as a Double-Edged Sword - Essay Example

The Double-Edged Sword: A Discussion of Technology and Modern Life Introduction For most people the day begins with a disruptive, buzzing alarm and repetitive use of the “snooze button.” The smell of coffee brewing itself in the kitchen on a timer helps makes waking up a little easier. Individuals may microwave breakfast, jump onto the computer, and check for cell phone messages. We get into vehicles and drive to our locations of employment. While at work we may use other computers, handle machinery, or scan inventory. Human beings use technology, of one kind or another, from morning to night, every day. For the most part, technology has become so common it is no longer thought of it as “technology.” The presences of these day to day items have become necessary and normal; like microwaves, cars, and computers. Technology has brought many benefits to science, medicine, and aids in advancing human potential; at the same time it has, also, allowed the development of disastrous weapons shifted job markets away from manual labor, and creates human dependence. Technology has changed human life in many ways, in many cases beneficially, however, that is not always true or the benefits come with “side effects” that negate them. This makes the relationship between technology and modern life like a double-edged sword. History Over the last 300 years technology has been developed, improved upon, innovated, made obsolete, and replaced. Most people today cannot imagine living in time that predates medical vaccinations, telephones, and light bulbs. Research explains that there are “Four Developments in the Human Condition” that have allowed the advancement of humanity into its modern society filled with the technological sciences of the present. We have continuously proceeded to find new innovations and approaches. 1. Imagery & Symbols: The development of language, the arts, and religion; humanity began applying meanings to imagery and symbolism. 2. Universal Order & Theory: The emergence of philosophy (800 to 200 BCE) and concepts of creation, the divine, the universe as a whole; truth seeking. 3. Experiment & Plausibility: The developments of modern science, beginning in the 1600s. Logical thinking focuses on probable answers. 4. Praxis & Plausibility: Essentially the practice of considering human and social ramifications of scientific and technological actions. (Dunne 11-12) Discussion From the steam engine in 1730 and the electric battery in 1800 to the automobile in 1885 and the telephone in 1839, the progress has been continuous; It is amazing to see how inventive and the level of ingenuity that human beings have managed to achieve, change, improve, and develop the altered quality of society and that of individual human life (Dunne 12). There are many supporters of technology. There are some people who feel that scientific advancement and technological possibilities should be the focus of humanity. However many others believe that technology offers convenience, but also contributes heavily to air pollution, environmental contaminations, displacement of species within ecosystems, can cause psychological dependence among users, and are not worth implementing in the long run. In fairness and, as stated previously, there are a number of pros and cons related to technology and its presence and influence within modern society. Both sides make quality arguments concerning the positive and negative aspects and implications of modern technologies and its various applications. There are 10 highlighted contributions or influences of technology presenting its greatest benefits to modern human society; these contributions include: 1. Easy access to information, allowing anyone to find answers to question and grasp concepts that they may not have previously had access to. 2. Improved communication, which has allowed greater exchanges and interaction between peoples across the world. 3. Convenience of Education, which has allowed more people to gain education they may not have otherwise had the opportunity to attend. 4. Encourages innovations and creativity; in other words, allows the greater exchange of ideas and concepts, allowing greater inspiration to occur. 5. Increase efficiency and productivity: it goes without saying that technology allows for more to be produced in shorter periods of time. 6. Changed the healthcare industry; Medical innovations and technology has greatly improved the treatment and care of patients. 7. Improved housing and lifestyle; people live longer and have greater conveniences inside their homes. 8. Social networking has allowed business, medicine, entertainment, and individuals to make connections all over the world. 9. Improved entertainment has allowed the effects of film and television to become much more realistic, which increases the creative potentials of all involved. 10. Convenience of travel has made it possible for people to go farther, faster, and in less time; making the movements of mankind much more free than they would be without it. (Ramey) The opponents of the commonness and everyday dependence on technology in this modern era, also, point out 4 specific negative and provocative realities of the need for, uses, and potentials of modern technological advances; which include: 1. Increased isolation and loneliness; technology sometimes encourages less face to face human interactions, which can lead some to become more introverted and lonely. 2. The development of destructive weapons has contributed to more lethal warfare; wars that may not have been fought or concluded differently if not for the inclusion of technology. 3. Diminishes competency is a fear of technology introduced by those opposed. People no longer feel the need to memorize and remember important and relevant dates and data, because when the information is needed it can be accessed quickly through technology. 4. Loss of jobs is another important aspect of embracing technology. Machinery has replaced many jobs that were once held by human beings; this is perceived as a dangerous and unproductive aspect of technology (Ramey). Regardless of society’s differing opinion concerning the presence, dependence, and influences of technology on society it has, absolutely, had a profound impact and will likely continue to do so as humanity moves into the future. Technology has become a huge participant in allowing people to educate themselves, is essential in, almost, any career option, and provides entertainment, whether videos, social networking, or gaming (Wright 1). Research has shown the Europeans have replaced formal business letter with formal email; while Americans have adopted email as a “replacement for the telephone,” and use it to vent their frustrations, share news, and have informal conversations, which is the same purpose assignment to social media sites, like Facebook and Twitter. (Weiner 1-2). Technology has definitely contributed to a world of conversation and interaction that limits real human contact; however, at the same time the advent of modern communication technology, email, text messaging, social media have encouraged and resulted in greater and regular communications among adult children and parents (Hulbert 1). Again, this is an instance where technology represents the, proverbial, double-edged sword. Advances in technology have and will continue to be developed and improved upon; sometimes rendering itself obsolete before it ever becomes universally recognized. Technology will continue to be developed to improve how health care, ailments, and injuries are addressed. Technologies will continue to be introduced that continues to simplify and create greater convenience to the everyday lives of modern human beings. However, we are, also, becoming more and more aware that the production, manufacturing, and developments of many technologies results in negative environmental consequences, along with long term side-effects yet to be identified. (Dunne 11-12). Some people are terrified by technology. The more advanced it becomes the more and more resistant these people become. These people fear the dependence and laziness of convenient lives will result in technology overtaking us, rebelling, or turning against humanity; like the Terminator franchise. Other researchers and experts believe that it is the advancement of technology is only means by which the quality of human life can be made more ideal. Today there is an entire generation of children and, teens, and young adults who have been born and raised on technology; it is, essentially, second nature to them (Hulbert 1). It will, also, allow humanity to address negative side effects of chosen technologies in more productive and efficient ways. For example, research dedicated to producing technologies that allow for alternative resources to produce human necessities and technology, as well as, means to repair, improve, or reform locations, environments or ecosystems most harmed by humanity’s modern “technological” society. Conclusion Society has grown quite attached to the day to day technologies we consider to be commonplace; the convenience, speed, and immediacy of technological transactions and communications are too intertwined in our fast-paced world. At the end of the day technology is a tool. Something humanity should use, wisely, and with ethical consideration as needed to benefit, aid, or improve the quality of lives. However, the technology should never dominate us; where its absence makes us helpless or lost. Outside of a future with an idealized, new technological revolution occurring that is focused on embracing only “green,” environmentally friendly technological options it will, likely, remain a topic that sparks heated and oppositional debate. Technology will remain an issue with, both, potentially, positive aspects and negative side effects; side effects that must be weighed and balanced, which will cause technological advancements to remain a perpetual and tentative double-edged sword. Work Cited Dunne, Tad. A History of Technology & the Human Condition. Tad Dunne online: 2010. 1-28. eBook. . Hulbert, Ann. "Beyond the Pleasure Principle." New York Times 11 March 2007, 1. Web. 14 Oct. 2013. Read More