The use of a variety of technologies grows as the interest in designing technologies to make life easier flourishes. Information communication technologies create a feeling of relatedness as they facilitate easy communication among people worldwide. People view technologies such as cell phones, social networking sites, and the media as central to the communication process (Hertlein and Ancheta 1). Contrary to their views, I believe technology is destructive, and people should use less of it in their lives. My opinion focuses on a variety of reasons.
Education
Technology is believed to have revolutionized the field of education. However, it brings with it new challenges to the education system. Easy access to a wide range of information online encourages cheating in examination and assignments. Instead of studying, researching and presenting original work, many students plagiarize the works of various authors online. It impedes the process of learning as students do not take their time to comprehend the content they learn. The challenge is also evident in the amount of time students spend on games and other technology-enhanced activities instead of studying.
Financial transactions
Technology also puts people’s personal and financial information at a risk of access by hackers and strangers. Nowadays, shopping, reservations, bank transactions, and several other financial operations occur online. People are required to provide passwords and private financial information during such transactions. The practice exposes people’s bank accounts and information to the risk of theft. Despite the existence of advanced firewalls and other information security features, online transactions are still risky.
Behavior
Supporters of technology view it as an effective way of exposing people (especially youths) to educative concepts and experiences from around the world (McGrath, 13). Despite the positive impact it has through education, technology should not be used because of the destructive information it exposes young people to daily. From a tender age, young people can easily access pornographic content through computers and mobile phones. It encourages premature sexual activity, and exposure to the risk of early pregnancies, HIV/AIDS, and STIs. Social networks expose young people to characters that may influence them to engage in violent and criminal activities. They may also experience sexual harassment, bullying, and stalking by people they meet online (Collin, Rahilly, Richardson, and Third 11).
Family interactions
Technologies such as computer games, mobile phones, the internet, and Mp3 players contribute towards a deterioration of the quality of interactions among family members. Technology increases privatization within family life (McGrath 8). It creates a disconnection between family members as they increasingly focus on independent rather than the collective use of various technologies. For instance, many families no longer sit together to watch TV; this is because most of the information, news, programs, music, and movies can be accessed via cell phones and computers. Young people spend hours locked in their rooms using their phones or computers instead of interacting with family members. The deficiency in communication has a damaging effect on family cohesion and interaction (McGrath 34).
The onset of technology has eased communication and operations in various aspects of life. Despite the benefits, technology use should be discouraged because of the myriad of challenges it causes. As advancements in technology occur, new challenges emerge. The challenges technology causes in relationships, education, family interactions, financial transactions, and youths’ behaviors can only end through a reduction in technology usage.
Works Cited
Collin, Philippa, Kitty Rahilly, Ingrid Richardson, and Amanda Third. Literary Review: The Benefits of Social Networking Services. 2011. Web. ISBN: 978-0-9871179-1-5 Available from: < http://www.uws.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/476337/The-Benefits-of-Social-Networking-Services.pdf >. [Accessed May 25, 2015].
Hertlein, Katherine M., and Katrina Ancheta. “Advantages and Disadvantages of Technology in Relationships: Findings from an Open-ended Survey.” The Qualitative Report, 19(22): 1- 11. 2014. Web. Available from: < http://www.nova.edu/ssss/QR/QR19/hertlein22.pdf >. [Accessed May 25, 2015].
McGrath, Siobhan. “The Impact of New Media Technologies on Social Interaction in the Household.” SO303H Electronic Culture and Social Change. 2012. Web. Available from: < https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/sites/default/files/assets/document/SiobhanMcGrath.pdf >. [Accessed May 25, 2015].
