These are a list of things that have integrated into the lives of millions, if not billions of people, in the 21st century. These technological developments have made communication easier, provided instant entertainment, and are intended to make our daily lives “easier”.
But have they?
There is no doubt that to some extent these technologies can be beneficial. E-mail, texting and phone calls have made communication rapid and instantaneous, with potentially anyone on the globe. Facebook has facilitated the creation of social networks, linking co-workers, friends, family and classmates online. Twitter too is a social networking website, and also serves as a microblogging site, allowing users to publish their thoughts to their Twitter network in 140 characters. iPods and television have given us entertainment and music whenever we desire it.
I’m sure you already know all this and I won’t bore you any further.
My point being, is that these technologies have served purposes that have benefited many people today.
However, these technologies have their benefits and their “cons”. Through these technologies, and other forms of media, we are bombarded with enough information every day to overload a laptop computer, with the average person “deluged” in an estimated 100,500 words per day. We are also bombarded with an estimated 3,000 advertisements per day on Television, on the radio, on social networking sites, not to mention all the billboard advertising present in the physical world. It is hard to escape this information flow of data, as using technology is necessary for many workplaces and schools. For example, checking our University e-mail is an expectation and requirement for many University students!
Due to this constant barrage of data, information, and advertising, I find that my mind needs to maintain a higher level of stimulation. I can’t simply check my e-mail, I need to be on Facebook too. I will be chatting to a friend online while doing my homework. I cannot simply just read a magazine, I need to have music in the background or be watching television at the same time. Multitasking has become second nature to me, and it is because my mind now requires more stimulation in order for it to be satisfied and comfortable.
There have been many concerns from many academics that technology has been weaking our mental abilities, shortening our attention span, and can even rewire our brains. Although technology has been associated with such life impacting, negative consequences, do we still ignore these because of our reliance on it?
No comments:
Post a Comment