Thursday, May 26, 2016

Does a modern technology make life more convenient or was life better when technology was simpler?

N.B.: Another essay (on a given topic) I wrote as a Third Year student for an Intra-college Essay Writing Competition in 2011. This one fetched me the First Prize too :)

Philosophical debates have arisen over the present and future use of technology in society, with disagreements over whether technology improves the human condition or worsens it.

Technology is the discipline dealing with the art or science of applying scientific knowledge to practical problems. Nowadays, when the rapidness of development and research is so impressive, we are close on an era where technology is limited only by our imagination. It is the modern technology that makes life easier and more dignified.

The use of technology began with the conversion of natural resources into simple tools. With the prehistoric discovery of fire came the invention of wheel, creation of boats and vehicles, building homes and so on.

Old technology is constantly being phased out by new inventions. For example: Computer technology provides us with faster news updates than the news papers. Unlike typewriters, computers have a wide rage of options to save, edit, copy, paste, etc… Internet have lessened physical barriers to communication and allowed humans to interact liberally on a global scale.

The technology available today has made the wealth of knowledge available to students, which offers great potential for the speed and style of learning. Information is presented in so many ways that any type of learner, whether gifted or disabled, can find and use the necessary material. Education is no longer the elitist privilege it once was. The information on the Internet is there for all who have access, without discrimination (Hollowell July 28, 2010).

Paper checks have been replaced by ATM cards, check cards and credit cards which are comparatively convenient and quick. Bills can be paid online or over phone.

Cell phones today serve a multiple purpose ousting land lines, radios, cameras and the old letter-writing system. 3G phones can avail internet access and with GPS technology we can know our exact location which can guide us back home incase we are lost.

Though Bhutan doesn’t enjoy all the privileges of a well advanced country right away, with today’s pace of development it won’t be too far. Recently monks across the country attended a training program in dzongkha information skills. They will now be equipped with necessary computer skills that will enable them to participate on many fronts in society (Kuensel, March 9, 2011).

With technology advancement, the level of living standard increases. Robots and machines would take over our daily life chores saving our time and strength. It will just require pressing some buttons rather than doing the hard labor ourselves. A more developed world with greater technologies will definitely be more convenient.

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