Technology is a powerful and popular tool in our modern society… but it has pros and cons.
In the year 2010, about 71 percent of inhabitants in industrialized countries have access to the internet; an unarguable proof of technology’s popularity in the society. However, despite of technology’s contribution to society, it is also used for evil purposes like war and environmental destruction.
The PROS
Technology greatly helps the human race and its contributions by way of innovations and breakthroughs are publicized regularly. Technology’s most popular contribution includes its ability to enhance education and communication.
Access to technology advances education. The Internet generates openings for isolated communities to exchange information with populous places. For example, the Alice Springs School of the Air in Australia relies on satellite technology to teach children from distant communities. These are often native communities which suffer disadvantage. The school gives these children access to high quality education and opportunities for future career development.
Contribution to Communication
Technology increases communication of families and cultures. Email and instant messaging has improved communication amongst cultures separated by seas. It allows global communication and interchange of opinions in a friendly environment.
Technology heightens communication between family members and friends. Instant messaging programs and Internet phone services like Skype, Twitter, and Facebook, allow cheap and instant communication between families and friends and are specifically beneficial when family members and friends and seas apart. Mobile phones also serve a similar purpose.Because of advancement in technology, communication in disaster situations has been greatly improved. Mobile phone records of disasters such as the London Bombings in 2005 have contributed towards understanding of the incident and mobile phones aided rescue workers in Haiti after the earthquake of 2010.
The CONS
When technology is misused, it can lead to environmental degradation and even the destruction of the human race. It also increases the gap between developed and third-world countries.Access to technology is often limited to those who can afford it. Access to technology determines educational outcomes, for example students who have access to the Internet at home can submit more informative assignments. Lack of access to technology because of poverty or isolation can entrench disadvantage.
Misuse of technology
Technology, when used the wrong way, can create unfortunate destructive forces. Weapons of mass destruction used in war are created by modern technology. Chemical weapons cause deadly illnesses amongst soldiers and civilians, for example the effects of Agent Orange during the Vietnam War. Technology not only kills but also causes health problems in civilian populations even for decades after a war is over.
Irresponsible use of technology is the cause of today’s environmental problems. Destructive weapons like nuclear bombs destroy people, their homes, their surroundings, and even the neighboring countries. For example, a great portion of the Afghani forest has been stripped by bombing and the habitat of native wildlife has been destroyed.
