Introduction

Jannatul Ferdaus 

English 1101

Prof. Scanlan 

may 23, 2021

Technology: A Curse or a Blessing?

There remains no doubt that our lives have become ‘tech driven’ in recent times. General perception and understanding are that technology is all about smartphones, laptops, microchips, etc. However, not many are aware that the word ‘technology’ refers to any object or process that makes accomplishing a task or goal easier. About this definition, technology has been a part of our lives ever since the first few humans on earth lit up the fire by rubbing two stones together – that itself was an example of technology. Since then, technology has evolved and developed throughout centuries to mold into the state it is today. It is anything and everything that is used as a tool to simplify and uncomplicate a task or activity, from a simple screwdriver to a mighty supercomputer. 

It is also true that along with the diversification in utility provided by technology over the decades, it has also turned out to provide utility in more alternative ways than one can imagine. Technology now efficiently enables, supplements, and facilitates numerous aspects of our lives, including, but not limited to, communication, entertainment, information, and accessibility. So, at this point, we may ask, “Is technology taking over our lives?”

The answer is quite debatable and has people divided over the pros and cons of technology in our lives. Some strongly believe and acknowledge the beneficial role of technology, whereas many argue that it has disrupted the natural flows and processes. The integration of technology can be seen all around us, from the moment we wake up to the moment we go to sleep at night. The uses of smartphones keep expanding, with companies trying to bring in more and more advancement all amalgamated in the palm of your hands. Similarly, other technologies like air conditioners are also being developed as per the ever-changing demands and needs of people worldwide. The same is the reason behind the evolution of technology; the increasingly changing preferences, lifestyles, incomes, and wants of individuals. 

But in recent years, the dynamic has changed due to the shift from the micro level to the macro level, the macro-level being the industrial and governmental level use and incorporation of technology.  The use of technology on a large scale has produced a trickle-down effect, hence proving that technology has been inculcated in our lives from all sides.

As far as the importance of technology is concerned, many types of research have been conducted in which the impact of withdrawing a certain technological commodity, such as a smartphone, from an individual’s life. People find themselves completely “out of touch” and isolated, unaware and bored when they do not have access to a smartphone. We may not realize this or acknowledge this, but all of us are addicted to technology to some extent; in particular, smartphone addiction and, consequently, the addiction to the internet is real and is being widely considered an addiction equivalent to drugs. This could be due to the satisfaction, sense of belonging, and entertainment that the internet provides to individuals.