In contemporary generation, advances in technology have been exhibited in a relatively fast pace. Though most people could immediately state that technological developments are always useful and beneficial, a closer evaluation of its impact on the lives of people would determine that there are negative effects of technology. The current essay hereby presents advantages and disadvantages of technology.
Technology, through advances in telecommunications and the discovery of the Internet, has made it possible for marked advantages which include greater access to a wide array of information in a more convenient and immediately available manner. Thus, technology made it possible to reach more audience across wider geographic locations in a short time frame . For business organizations, technology provided greater opportunities to increase productivity . This includes the benefits of automation where machines replace human resources and where routinary tasks are performed at greater speeds and with minimum errors. Another advantage of technology is the ability to connect to people through social networking sites that enhance interaction through sharing information, updates, and invitations to events. Likewise, related to this, long lost friends or family members could be located through technological search applications. In addition, technology has paved the way for designing new gadgets that make life more comfortable and convenient: the navigational systems (GPS), advanced medical equipment, and electronic systems that facilitate various transactions.
On the other hand, technology also has disadvantages, such as risks associated with safety and security of information. There has been continued incidences of security fraud, intrusion of privacy, stealing of personal information, and hacking through inability to install protective measures of online websites and personal accounts. Other disadvantages include the need to continuously upgrade and update technological applications to avail of more advanced features. The process of continuously updating proves to be costly and time consuming; which could also disrupt business transactions. In addition, technology through easy access to varied information could increase the tendencies for plagiarism, copying, and cheating in academic requirements. Finally, since information, entertainment, and other forms of modes of telecommunication are easily accessible, people could have tendencies to forget outdoor activities and physical fitness that contribute to obesity and other serious health conditions.
In sum, technology has advantages and disadvantages as presented herewith. Users should therefore weigh the benefits against costs of using technology and its applications in various activities; and opt to create a balance to ensure that the advantages surpass the disadvantages and realize the maximum potentials of technology for the best interests of the users.
Works Cited
DeMars, Joanna M.D. "Advantages and Disadvantages of Technology." 20 October 2010. uiowa.edu. https://wiki.uiowa.edu/display/edtech/Advantages+and+Disadvantages+of+Technology. 10 December 2013.
Gordon, Rodney. "Four Advantages and disadvantages of technologies and gadgets." 20 May 2011. utahsip.org. http://www.utahsip.org/gadget-news/four-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-technologies-and-gadgets/. 9 December 2013.
