[Writer’s name]
Introduction-Technology as a Friend
Technology has a huge impact on our lives and it has affected the way we work, think and live. There are contrasting opinions about whether technological advancements have made us better as a human and society or have we become too dependent? I believe that technology is definitely a blessing and consider it to being my best friend.
Technology has given us the light of artificial intelligence, we have faster communication, more refined medical techniques and equipments and also all sorts of electronics that have made our life easier and worthwhile. Each aspect of our life is even though dependent on technology, yet it has served to play a constructive role and shaped the world positively. We have gained a lot from the technological advancements and we are proud to be living in a ‘technologically civilized’ era.
One of the biggest gifts of technology is the internet. This invention alone has given humankind so much more than anticipated. From indefinite educational resources to social media websites, it is the center of all technology. It has made businesses prosper and helped entrepreneurs stay in business. Technology has thus made life easier and fun. With the unlimited options a person has, we are more prone to development and advancement.
Special gift of Books from Technology
One particular gift of technology is the advent of eBooks. There are a nonstop debate between the pros and cons of eBook vs. traditional paper books. People give different arguments. One side of the story argues that eBooks are more eco friendly and are accessed easily. On the contrary, paper books provide a more personal feel and are more memorable. People have a sense of nostalgia when they hold paper books.
Technology is my best friend and the debate between these two reading mediums is in my opinion, unnecessary. There is no comparison between the two medium. Each of them has its own place and value. There is no point is fighting over which is better over which. These two medium are here to stay together for a long time. Having this debate is like arguing the pros and cons of paper money over credit/debit cards.
Welcoming and embracing newer technology is inevitable. It is important to stay with the trends and use eBooks and other technology gifts. However, for people that like the tangible feel of the paper book, and like to keep collectibles, then paper books it is. Both reading mediums can stay together and flourish side by side.
Love of Technology
I love technology and love how it has helped meet instant gratification. Whenever I feel like reading a book, I have instant access to it on my electronic device. I have the options of font size, color and design. If at some point I get stumbled at some point or word, then I can quickly look it up and understand the term. I and technology have become real close friends and get along well. Whatever I do not grasp instantly, I learn through trial and error. This is the beauty of technology.
I feel that a person can love both printed as well as eBooks. People who enjoy the smell of paper and want to hold a book in their hands, they are free to do so. EBooks are for people who want to enjoy light casual reading on the go. It is best for people who travel a lot and have limited air space. Maybe it is as simple as that. It does not need to be complicated and there is no need to choose. A person can enjoy both medium of readings. It is best for people who travel a lot and have limited air space.
For the people who are against the technology of eBooks, they overlook the fact that is due to technology that even the printed books and hard back covers are in such good quality. High technology enables us to make the best paper quality and the best printing ink and layouts. Print and illustrations software have enabled the paper books to come alive with colors, pictures and imagination. Before technology had made its way to the print and publishing industry, books were hand written, alphabets blocks were made. Screens were made of stones and wax. Thanks to the friendship between both technologies with books that it has given us choices and options.
The eBook and Paper Book Friendship
According to Dr. Mataim Bakar, who is the director of research and development and international affairs in Brunei, eBooks should not be considered a threat to paper books and print media. On the contrary, they should be looked upon as an opportunity to produce and provide more books to a knowledgeable society. He further said that the functions of libraries have become a bit more challenging. The task now is to provide readers with what they find interesting and important. It is the task of parents to encourage children to keep on visiting libraries so that they do not forget the importance and joy of print books. On the side they can also keep on enjoying eBooks at their leisure.
The reason for any person to read is to gain knowledge pleasure. The things to look out for are context and need. The layout, ease of access and location are all secondary concerns that no real importance. Keeping friends with technology is fun and innovative. This is why it is important for everyone to adapt to the technological advancements and try out eBooks. But still, paper books need to be acknowledged because at the end of the day, when you need to share your favorite book with your friends, you cannot lend your whole e-reader. Therefore you need to have paper books to strengthen your friendships and make strong bonds. Books make memories and remind you of the good times.
Conclusion
The deepest concern is that we are not altogether reading as much as we used to. Even though sales of books keep rocketing but I still feel a decline in the love of reading. It may be due to the lack of attention span or the quality of written work. The more access we have to knowledge, books and technology, we somehow have lost the love of reading. The books we have on our shelves and in our e-readers do not represent our personalities and values.
EBooks and paper books should not be considered as threats to one another. They are both great mediums of readings and technology has really helped shaped them. They complement each other and can work together to build a knowledgeable society. So yes, technology is my friend because of all it has given to the society.
Work Cited
Catone, Josh. "Why Printed Books Will Never Die." 16 January 2013. Mashable. 4 December 2013 <http://mashable.com/2013/01/16/e-books-vs-print/>.
Debate.ORG. "Can e-books replace paper books?" 2013. Debate.ORG. 4 December 2013 <http://www.debate.org/opinions/can-e-books-replace-paper-books>.
John. "Books & eBooks." 27 July 2010. John's Blog. 3 December 2013 <http://john.jubjubs.net/2010/07/27/books-ebooks/>.
Noor, Amir. "Digital books complement print." 20 July 2010. The Brunei Times. 3 December 2013 <http://www.bt.com.bn/news-national/2010/07/20/digital-books-complement-print>.
