The Benefits and Issues of Technology Essay Example

According to research, the tech industry makes up around thirty-five percent of the world market, and there are over 585,000 technology companies in the United States. Evidentially, technology has made a vast impact on people’s everyday lives. Technology boomed in the nineteenth century, and it has only been advancing more over time. However, are the advancements of technology beneficial or detrimental? People have created multiple surveys, debates, articles to hopefully find the answer to this question that humanity has pondered for decades. Despite that, the results vary drastically depending on the views and experiences of the person conducting the research. 

To begin with, a popular view on technology is that it has positively affected humans. Over the years, scientists were able to discover more precise information thanks to the advancements of technology. Furthermore, technology has also created an easier way of communication. Forms of communication started from sending out pigeons and writing letters to call and texting on phones. Additionally, technology has played a crucial role in connecting people. It’s easier to find and befriend others on social media, and technology can overcome several communication barriers. Translators that can translate phrases as quickly as lightning can easily overcome language barriers, and there has been proof that many people with social anxiety find it easier to communicate online. Also, technology provides enjoyable learning experiences for children. Schools often use learning websites and games such as Prodigy, Kahoot, and more to increase the child’s enjoyment while learning. Technology does benefit society considerably, but we cannot ignore the harm that comes along.

On the contrary,  many argue that technology has only made society more disconnected from each other. Taking a look on the streets, people are often looking at their phones as they walk instead of keeping track of what’s happening around them. Overuse of technology could cause physical and psychological harm. For instance, over usage of electronic devices can cause health issues like eyestrain and insomnia. Posture issues are also a common problem caused by technology, and it is easy to develop unhealthy habits like slouching. Plus, technology can also cause psychological harm. A study has shown that participants who use social media more often than others were over three times more likely to feel more isolated. In addition, it is more likely for someone to have more severe depression and anxiety if they receive negative interactions on social media. As well as that, technology can also impact young children negatively. Numerous studies have suggested that children exposed to technology can have low performance at school, inability to focus, aggressive behavior, and poor sleep quality. To sum it up, technology has brought multiple harmful effects to society.

Lastly, some others might say that technology is often too expensive and inaccessible for people to use. For example, the newest iPhone model costs around seven to eight hundred dollars. A good performance gaming PC can cost up to two-thousand dollars, which is overly expensive for most people. Furthermore, technology is considered a luxury and unaffordable to many families. Even technology that is a daily necessity is often overpriced and made inaccessible. If technology is supposed to aid humans in their daily lives, shouldn’t it be more accessible for people? 

In conclusion, there was never a correct answer to if technology is beneficial or detrimental. There are many different views and perspectives on this topic. Perhaps as technology advances further, there will finally be a clear answer.