Modern Technology; A Blessing or a Curse?

Post date: May 16, 2016 11:15:11 AM

By: Hannah Stadel, Staff Writer

Posted May 16th, 2016

What I believe is probably the largest concern for us today is surprisingly overlooked by many. While there are countless benefits to modern technology, very little attention is on the actual effects of it. Now, don’t think I’m only writing this to bash on kids for being on their phones when they shouldn’t be, though that definitely is part of the picture. I want to reveal the truth behind the 6 or more hours each of us spend in front of a screen every day.

I’m not saying you’re a horrible person if you can browse the internet. In fact, I’m using Google to write this. There are a countless number of things we can accomplish in a remarkably brief amount of time these days. I used the internet about a month ago to save time and money that was necessary not 30 years ago to buy concert tickets. E-mail, texting, and Google alone open doors to a new kind of efficiency and creativity. Many people dive into this new world and are able to help incredible amounts of people, solve daunting issues, or create something wonderful at the click of a mouse. But maybe the endless amount of new things to learn and do with this new world of screens and computers comes at a price.

See, not all of us recognize this insane new amount of potential - especially in our generation. We’ve grown up around cell phones and computers, becoming more and more familiar with a digital world while growing less aware of the world around us.

The truth is, if you’re accustomed to receiving whatever information or item you want at a moment’s notice you’re giving up a vital part of learning, growing, and experiencing life. I’ve seen it happen in my own life. I get annoyed if my phone takes more than a couple seconds to open something up, and I’m sure you do too. Is it possible that we haven’t learned patience as well as those before us? The same question could be asked about hard work, creativity, or meaningful relationships.

Texting is convenient, time-saving, and a great way to connect with people far (or not so far) away, and reading the words someone typed is a very accurate interpretation of what they’re saying. Wait a second… that can’t be right. It’s a fact that ninety three percent of communication is nonverbal. That means gestures, tone of voice, and facial expression are the majority of what we consider human connection. Without this sense of genuine understanding, it’s not surprising that in today’s world people are feeling more and more lonely and anxious.

It’s so easy to accept this technology as progressive, innovative, and useful, but it’s just as easy to overlook the consequences. This is the ever-present question; should our goal be efficiency or a fulfilling life? And can there be a balance of both?e? And can there be a balance of both?