Whether we like or not, technology has been playing a huge on our lives. Some of us are enslaved by technology – looking down at our phones more that we should. We rarely have real conversations with other people. We have more friends on Facebook that what we have in real life. Technology has both good and bad results depending on how you use it.
Technology made information readily available to us. Before, we have to buy a 12-volume encyclopedia before we can learn about something. Now, with just one click on the internet, the information is readily available to us. This readily available information is not just on the tip of our fingertips but also free.
Technology takes you to places you’ve never been. You do not have to go to Paris to know how beautiful the place is. There are real time videos you can watch online where you can see the place, what is happening there without really going there. There are virtual tours you can find online where you can go to places far away from your home.
Communication is easier and faster. Decades ago, a letter to someone you adore who is living miles away from you will reach its destination within a month or two. If you want to make the communication faster, you can use telegraphs with very much limited words. Now, you can call anyone, anywhere, as long as you have load credits or an internet connection. You mobile phone lets you talk to anyone at any time of the day.
Teaching instruction is more colorful and interactive. The old fashioned teaching method with the use of paper and Manila paper is replaced by more interactive multimedia presentation that enables the students to use most of their senses. Videos provide better understanding on the lessons.
However, technology does not only bring good things. Excess and irresponsible use of technology can be chaotic. Piracy has been one of the greatest problems due to technology. Pirated CDs and DVDs of movies and software are now available almost half the price of the original ones. You can also find one for free on the internet.
Cyber bullying is also very eminent today. Because of people who are not responsible on what they post and like on the internet, most of them hurt people. This sometimes result to depression and even suicide.
Since smartphones are now owned by majority of the population, most of us depend on their phone. From communication, shopping, and interaction, these smartphones provide faster and easier transactions in one’s daily life. However, people depend much on them. Phones are getting smarter while the users are not. They tend to read less, talk personally less and go out less. When you walk outside, you will find people crossing the streets looking down at their phone without actually looking how great their surrounding is.
Technology has both advantages and disadvantages. This depends on how you use it. Always put a limit on the usage of technology. Do not overuse it. Enjoy its perks but not too much. An excess of something is never good.
By: CHEYSER CHARRESE C. GATCHULA
