Technology Two World Views - Essay Example

Technology – Two World Views Introduction Information and communications technologies (ICT) have made a dramatic impact in our livesin the past two decades or so and it is often said that if a person who passed away in the late seventies or early eighties were to come back to life by a miracle, he / she wouldn’t be able to recognize the surroundings or understand the changed lifestyles. The closest that one can come to this situation is watching the elderly persons trying for the first time to unravel the mysteries of using a computer. They are confused, apprehensive and afraid of misuse that might result in a costly breakdown. Whether it is the computers and the Internet or the cell phones or gadgets like the iPods – all have changed the world we live and work. For the younger generation, these changes are what it is born into and take to them like fish to water; for the elders, the changes represent what they have lost forever: a world of closer human relations, simplicity and lesser stress. Both world views have their supportive arguments as this essay examines. The case of GenNext Technology and life have become inseparable now. ‘Information is knowledge’ as the old adage goes. Technology has effectively broken all barriers to acquire, process and exchange information and that too in a matter of minutes, if not a few moments. This change is so potent that one is exposed to information of all kinds all the time, whether it is sought after or not. There is practically no information that one seeks but does not find on the Internet. (last name) 2 Take the case of commercials on any TV channel or the programs of channels like the National Geographic, Discovery, History or Animal Planet etc. The information or knowledge that is purveyed through such channels is amazing as much for its quality as for its appeal. It is therefore not surprising that people lap it up avidly and more so, the younger generation. Interesting facts about TV watching are given in the book, “How to Watch TV News” which points out that children up to the age of about 15 years must be enjoying the programs since they spend about 30 percent of waking hours in front of TV sets (Postman and Powers, 1992). People of all age groups simply cannot resist watching, surfing channels all the time. Obviously there must be a corresponding reduction in the outdoor activities. Computer and Internet usage is no less dominant (than TV watching) whether one is attending to job related or personal work or simply surfing for fun. The speed, accuracy, versatility and ease of using computer programs for day-to-day work are so great that it is difficult for today’s generation to imagine how such work was being performed manually in the earlier days. The case of other electronic devices like the mobile phones or iPods or digital cameras is just as amazing as the television or the Internet. The younger generation may not find anything amazing or out of the world in these products and services. Young people love the lifestyle afforded by technology and are relatively less exposed to the harsher realities of the lives of the less fortunate. Their world view is optimistic and they find nothing wrong in enjoying the benefits and luxuries facilitated by consumerism. (last name) 3 Old world view When life was not dominated by the electronic gadgets, time moved at a much slower pace or at least it seemed so. It was a different way of life – of frugality, relationships, concerns and leisure. Life followed seasonal changes and almost at the same natural pace. Haste and hurry are reserved for special situations and not as a matter of routine. Predictability of actions to be taken at certain times and results that can be expected was high and there were hardly any nasty surprises like e.g., breakdown of communications. A postal communication is sent on time, received and replied in reasonable time frame. A travel ticket was booked in advance and the well prepared journey was executed as planned. Social events like festivals, marriages and new arrivals were celebrated as deemed prudent and responsible. One was constantly conscious of the surroundings and social responsibilities. Books, radio and theatres were the main means of leisure and entertainment. In this old world, relationships were more important – both within the family and without. It was possible to nurture these relationships and derive pleasure out of them since it was not an ‘instant world’ then as now. While the current technological revolution may have brought about much greater ease of communications, it has also decreased the importance of personal interactions among family and friends’ circles – for, a phone call obviates the need for a face to face chat. The past generation members were literally searching for an excuse to meet each other and thus enrich their lives through human relations. The leisurely pace of life afforded this quite often. (last name) 4 Technological progress may have brought about improved life styles and comforts within the reach of many but there are negative aspects attendant to these changes, as per the elders. The increased freedom and pace of life and the corresponding decrease in the value of elderly advice is seen as contributing factors for the increasingly stressful existence. It is often said that a family that prays together and eats together, stays together. This unity of the old world is valued greatly and is a major contributing factor for life long support system that faced the ups and downs with equanimity. The adverse impact of consumerism on the natural environment is another aspect that contrasts much with the closer to nature and more eco-friendly way of the old world. Inevitability of change Both world views have their merits and fallacies. Change and progress are inevitable. Each time a major technological change occurs, it enhances the chances of a larger number of people for a better life – jobs, income, entertainment and information about the opportunities for self and family. Such dramatic changes are easily observed in the once poor countries like China and India. These two countries particularly have leveraged technology to lift a significant number of their vast populations out of poverty. It is once again these two ancient civilizations that are facing the stress of modernizing and a breakdown of the traditional values of society with family at its center. In the earlier decades, Japan & Korea progressed and imitated the western way of life, which is now being embraced by many more nations. The adverse impact of ever increasing demands of life on human health and natural environment, in the face of increasing comforts and consumption is a (last name) 5 contradiction meriting attention. Perhaps the changes are so fast and all pervading that society and polity is unable to adjust to them in such a way that does not adversely impact the essential human character or our natural environment. Conclusion Change is a fact of life and it has always been so. There is no conflict in the world views of the past and the present – only a differing reality in the evolution of human societies from time to time. The features of the past and present are not necessarily to be contrasted in an adversarial way but ought to be compared for the positive aspects even as we strive to retain the eternal values of human life – responsibility towards nature, society and family. All said and done, today’s world of computers, Internet or iPods etc. has a much greater awareness of the unity in diversity of human race, and the dangers that keep disturbing our peace and progress. Information is awareness, knowledge and power to control dangers and sustain development. (last name) 6 References Postman, N., Powers, S. (1992) How to Watch TV News. Penguin USA. Read More