“Necessity is the mother of Invention” proverb truly defines the birth of technology. If we think about the past years there were no such technological developments but at present, we are dwelling in the scientific era. Drastic technological advancements have taken place in this era and thus we have been gifted with enormous technologies in different fields.
Technology is a major factor in the lives of millions of people. Wherever we go, we see technology improving the lives of people. However, as useful as technology is, it has a dark side that affects us in a dangerous and bad way. So, this leads us to the controversial question:Is technology a boon or a curse?
Technology refers to the practical application of scientific knowledge for a purpose. Technology enhances the usefulness of goods and services. It aims at creating value. Technology can be both material and non-material (virtual). Technology includes instruments, tools, machines and other devices that benefit human life from simple to complex. It also includes the capability and skills required to apply the knowledge. Technology is one of the most valuable tools that we have available at our finger tips every day. You can do virtually anything with your smart phone, tablet, or computer. From seeing what time a movie starts, ordering a pizza, and paying your bills the possibilities for technology are endless. And not only are they endless, they are constantly improving to make the things we have to do everyday easier. Whereas technology once lived in our world, we now live in a world of technology. A study found that households with kids ages four to fourteen own, on average, eleven consumer- electronics devices.
Technology helps us improve our lives and make things easier. However, there are two sides to everything. Undoubtedly, AI will grow further, but I am sure it will have both a positive and a negative impact on the world. I cannot stop myself from agreeing that yes, while Artificial Intelligence is going to make life easier with all the advanced gadgets, but what about human beings? Where will we go? Are jobs going to exit? Will they stay secure? Will the ‘human touch’ still be important or will technology take over everything?
So is technology good or evil? Let us take a very simple example of a matchstick. One can use it to light a lamp or light a fire for cooking. It can also be used to light a fire that burns some one’s home down or a newly weded bride who has not bought in enough dowry to satisfy her in law’s endless greed. The matchstick by itself is just a harmless object. In the hands of a mother lighting the lamp or the cooking fire, it becomes beneficial. The same matchstick in the hands of a small careless child, could prove to be fatal. And when it becomes a tool for the person to burn down a home, or a newly wedded bride, it becomes a tool to kill and destroy.
Technology has proven to be helpful in various fields, whether it be education or infrastructure. Online classes help children learn things while sitting at their homes comfortably during a curfew or some illness. Educational games help to create competitive skills within them, which allows them in the real world.
Online shopping has made it easier for people to buy products that are not available in their nearby shops or are too expensive. Online shopping brings with it, various sources of a job for the unemployed. Technology also helps us connect with our long-lost friends via multiple apps like skype, WhatsApp, etc.
But other than good aspects, technology has some harmful effects on children as well. From the surveys done every year, it is seen that the increase in usage of devices has caused many health problems in children like hypertension, migraine, etc. The use of these also leads to body damage, both physically and mentally. Technology has separated children from their parents. Due to this, children hardly talk to their parents and are busy chatting with their friends.
Writing is an art, but technology has taken away people’s minds from it. Standard English is not used while chatting on the phone. Instead, children are seen using abusive and slang language, which can cause damage to their thinking.
Conclusion
It is better to bring technology into our use only when it is required. Excessive use can result in causing negative effects on both human beings and the environment. The peaceful existence of human beings will not be possible if the environment is disturbed.
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