On Technology

Technology. There's nothing in the world quite like it. Technology is useful. It can save lives. It can connect people a world apart. It can provide instant updates on current events. It can entertain us in the blink of an eye and the push of a button. Moreover, it's absolutely everywhere.

Hardly a day goes by without seeing someone glued to a cell phone or computer. In fact, many times that person has been you. I know I've been that person. One might see them texting while crossing the street, or maybe talking on a cell phone while driving. One may also not see them as they sit all day in front of a computer screen.

In recent days, people have had more reason to spend their time with technology. This is because technology keeps getting better and better. More applications are available for cell phones and social networks daily. Phones and computers are able to do more and more impressive things. People spend more time enjoying these features.

If one asks around, it would be found that more and more people say that they would "die" without their phone/iPod/computer/whatever. This is truly a grave prospect for humanity. While the statement is generally meant facetiously, death by non-connectedness is not a subject to be tossed around lightly. If it continues to be treated as such, it may eventually become true.

I am by no means predicting an eventual takeover of the world by sentient machines. I am instead cautioning against mass technology addiction. People can spend hours a day- even entire days- hooked up to some form of technology rather than getting exercise, spending time with friends or reading a book. Public health suffers greatly because of conditions such as sleep deprivation and obesity. Advances in stimulants only make the problem worse.

Let us look at an analogy. If you look at an older model of cell phone, you will see that it is big, bulky, heavy, unimpressive, and generally unappealing. However, that cell phone is virtually indestructible. You may throw it into oncoming traffic, drop it into a toilet, or even hit it with a baseball bat, and it will still work perfectly. If you look at a newer model, you will see that it is sleek, compact, light, impressive, and generally appealing. However, that cell phone is ridiculously delicate. Even so much as sneezing on it will upset some vital circuitry, causing it to fail catastrophically.

If you were to look at people from the beginning of the twentieth century, you would notice that their lives were virtually free of the luxuries we enjoy today. Yet those same people survived through the greatest tragedies and hardships humanity has ever faced. If you look at people from the beginning of the twenty-first century, you would see that we have become paranoid, weak, and generally cowardly. There is a definite trend here: As technology becomes more advanced, humanity becomes less advanced. If this trend continues, we could see the common person relying on frivolous technology for their very survival by the beginning of the next century.

There is a solution to this, however. I prescribe a rounded tablespoon of actual social contact, followed by a shot of nature and exercise. Take at least once weekly, more or less often as necessary. Follow this plan, and humanity may actually move forward with its technology. It is, after all, what sets us apart from animals. Don't let technology make us animals ourselves.