Modern Technology: Crippling Minds, Spreading Inefficiency Essay

It is quite common to hear people claim that technological advancements have brought forth positive and beneficial changes to society and even the world. However, despite the truthfulness of such a statement in certain aspects, it still cannot be refuted that modern technology is also a source of numerous problems and concerns which may not necessarily be easily identified by all. Presently, the over reliance of individuals in modern technology have brought forth detrimental changes both to human intelligence and even the efficiency in which the simplest of tasks are accomplished. In relation to this, it would be appropriate to state that modern technology is similar to a fatal disease which is slowly affecting the whole population without being noticed, until probably it is already too late; hence, modern technology may certainly be likened to cancer. Like such a diseases, treatment would only become possible after its presence is proven and acknowledged. In this sense, arguing that such a problem exists is definitely a worthwhile endeavor. Without a doubt, modern technology is the root of degrading mental capability as well as unnecessary inefficiency in the present-day global society. As noted beforehand, one of the most concerning effects of modern technology upon individuals is that intelligence becomes compromised in an ensuing manner. As a matter of fact, it would not be difficult to locate signs of intellectual shortcomings even in the most commonly used facets of technology. To further expound, e-mails are an excellent source if one would attempt to find a myriad of grammatical mistakes as well as other mishaps in writing despite the fact that correcting such mistakes is undeniably easy to accomplish (Shostak). Indeed, even the most commonly used, yet supposedly of vital significance, manifestations of technology in modern times are indicative of the presence of the aforementioned concerns. It is becoming a symbol which represents the deterioration of human intellect in an inconspicuous manner. While not many would realize the detrimental effects of such forms of modern technology upon their minds, there are those who are becoming aware of the problem. As Carr notes in an article, pertaining to his focus in reading, his â€Å"concentration often starts to drift after two to three pages† (Carr). It is true that some tasks may now be completed in a faster manner due to the emergence of the Web. Nonetheless, once again, human intelligence has been compromised due to its presence. To further expound, while pursuits such as writing and research have become easier to accomplish, one’s capability to focus on endeavors which require more effort becomes compromised due to an excessive dependence upon means in which the challenges in tasks are minimized (Carr). In general, modern technology has become the most significant reason as to why individuals are becoming increasingly lazy (DeGeneres 638). Without a doubt, it is appropriate to claim that the trend in modern technology, which is to make life as easy as possible, have become a distinct way through which laziness and dependence are both furthered considerably. As a matter of fact, an in-depth pursuit to personally reflect on such matters would not be necessary to account for the truthfulness of the abovementioned claims; reminiscing for a short duration of how life was a decade ago would suffice in making one realize the extent in which such problems brought forth from modern technology have changed the means through which individuals allocated effort even in the simplest responsibilities. While it is true that some tasks became easier to complete, it is also irrefutable that the simplest of activities became unnecessarily difficult; inefficiency has been caused by modern technology despite the fact that it is supposedly driven by the need to further enhance efficiency. To further explain, the way in which products are packaged is an ideal example of how inefficient certain simple tasks have become. Specifically, countless lengths of time are wasted as one faces difficulty in opening compact discs, batteries, and even scissors due to the unexplainable amount of protection provided by the manner in which such items are packaged (DeGeneres 639). In addition, the e-mail while in part invented for a more efficient approach in exchanging textual information have also led to inefficiency as the number of mails one receives does not always require a thorough read or even an appropriate response (Shostak). Definitely, the statements above are real-world examples of how modern technology has also become detrimental to the attempt of individuals to accomplish more with minimal requirements in both time and effort. As a matter of fact, modern technology may not have properly accomplish either of such goals as some of the most common faults of individuals, such as tardiness, have still remained existent throughout the years (Carr). Throughout the discussion, the existence of an undeniable source of detrimental repercussions for humanity has been proven. Modern technology is certainly not exclusive of negative aspects. While the detrimental effects of technology are usually discussed in relation to environmental concerns such as pollution and the destruction of nature, it must be kept in mind that such destruction may also be brought forth by modern technology upon humanity. Crippling the intellectual capability of current generation and of course the generations yet to come, is definitely an effect of modern technology which warrants undivided attention. Furthermore, individuals should realize that not all the benefits of technology are all-encompassing; certain aspects such as efficiency have in part suffered due to the presence of misguided advances for the simplest of task. While modern technology may still be the key to solving some of the most pressing concerns worldwide, it is necessary that humanity’s focus upon the pace and direction of technological progress be evaluated. In attempting to provide and demand continuous progress in technology, individuals must also reflect and assess as to whether humanity is also experiencing progress from a holistic standpoint. Works Cited Carr, Nicholas. Is Google Making Us Stupid?. The Atlantic, Jul/Aug 2008. Web. 14 May 2010. Degeneres, Ellen. This is How We Live. Course Document, pp. 638 – 642. Shostak, Seth. You Call This Progress?. Newsweek, 18 Jan 1999. Web. 14 May 2010.