TECHNOLOGY: Boon or Bane?

Our world is ever-changing and one aspect that seems to be changing rapidly is technology. These changes stretch from the way we communicate to the way most workplaces function. As technology changes the way we live our day-to-day lives, several people engage in big debates on whether all of the rapid technological advancements are beneficial or detrimental to our society. Although there are so many great things technology has done for us, it is almost impossible to deny that technology is not always a positive influence in modern life.

Technology has benefited society in many ways, perhaps most notably in the areas of medicine, education and communication. It has also revolutionized entertainment and productivity.

Advancements in the field of medicine have improved access to medi

cal resources and information, especially for doctors in rural or disadvantaged areas. Physicians can make more accurate diagnoses and treatment thanks to the various medicine and medical treatments such as electronic aspirin, robotic checkups and the like. In the field of education, it is very beneficial in helping the students understand and absorb what they are being taught. For instance, since there are a number of students who are visual learners, technological devices could be put in classrooms to let the students see their notes as opposed to simply sitting down and listening to their teachers. As for entertainment and communication, technology has provided us with even more creative ways to occupy our time and to interact or communicate with the people that we know. We can play video games, watch television, browse the internet, post facebook statuses or chat with other people. Texting, calling, and e-mailing have revolutionized the way we keep in touch. Wi-Fi technologies change how public transportation works. Robotics has changed the workplace providing for some tasks to be completed by automated systems. Applications and online shopping allow purchases to be made without the need of going to malls or markets.

Unfortunately, the more technologically advanced a society becomes, the more people begin to depend on computers and other forms of technology for everyday existence. People are attached to their screens and phones almost 24/7. Also, pornographic, violent, and other inappropriate content can now be easily accessed and viewed by almost everyone. Internet addiction is also becoming a huge problem. Some people spend up to 18 hours a day on the internet thanks to online gaming or social networking sites. Aside from these, mean text messages or emails, rumors sent by email or posted on social networking sites, and embarrassing pictures and videos are being passed on from one person to another. Cyberbullying is another problem being faced by our society especially among the youth. Another disadvantage is human workers retain less value because machines automate processes and do the work of 10 people with one computer, companies find they don't need to employ as many people to get the job done.

With the things stated above, humans must decide where to draw the line. Technology is an integral part of our lives. It may give us a lot of benefits but it may also harm us in different ways. The answer to the question of whether technology is boon or bane depends on how we use it. If technology is well utilized, it is boon, otherwise it is bane. So use it properly, as much as possible.