The Perk of Technology vs. Disadvantages Paper Example

Introduction

Throughout the course of history, technology has enabled the advancement of human civilization. More so, in the current age, there is a general belief that humans rely on modern technology than ever before. The fluidity in the nature of technology results in varying definitions. Isman notes that technology is the practical use of knowledge to perform specific tasks (207). The concept of technology embodies a physical component that includes products, equipment, and techniques as well as the informational part that includes the knowledge in production, management, and quality control (Wahab, Raduan, and Suzana 62). Based on this definition, technology comprises of the expertise, a technical support system, and the hardware. There is a growing expansion of digital technology driven by the commercial sector thus increasing the interface between humans and technological innovation (Maffey 529). Although the benefits of technology are varied and extensive, it also poses disadvantages and risks to humanity. It becomes important then to weigh the advantages of technology development and use as compared to the disadvantages to inform its development and use. Technology plays a significant role in aiding the advancement of human social and economic development more than it acts as a limit.

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Perks of Technology

Technology facilitates the transfer of knowledge through teaching and learning activities. There are many efforts by educators and policymakers to integrate educational technology into the learning processes. Educational technology, in this case, refers to a systematic process that applies modern technology to learning with an aim of improving quality and efficiency (Stosic 111). Firstly, learners today have an access to wide variety of technology-based devices such as phones and computers where they can research and communicate which extends the classroom-learning environment. Secondly, technology helps to transform the traditional classroom into a more interactive learning setting (Costley 4). It is now possible for students to plan their academic progress independently by identifying the learning materials they need to use, the pace of their study, perform more tests and get instant results (Stosic 111). Thirdly, it is possible to increase the collaboration between students through technology. A student can cooperate in groups to solve problems or create projects through technology-based group networks. For example, in one Wiki technology-based project, students were invited to improve their language skills reading and responding to online English passages, which increased peer and instructors feedbacks (Costley 4). Thus, technology contributes to meaningful information uptake, increased experiences among learners, and hands-on learning opportunities.

Technology helps to increase global food security by increasing productivity. Food security is currently an agenda under the sustainable development goals. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization statistics, an approximate 795 million people in the world are undernourished with about 90 million children at risk of starvation (UNCTAD 2). The figures create a compelling case for the role science and technology can play in food security. Firstly, new and existing technologies are playing a critical role in fighting biotic and abiotic stress in both crops and animals thereby increasing productivity. Secondly, technology has contributed to the development of organic and inorganic fertilizers, which help to improve soil fertility, and in harvesting water for irrigation (UNCTAD 2). Moreover, through innovations, varying climate change mitigations such as precision agriculture, early warning systems, drought-resistant seeds, drip irrigation systems, and insurance exists for food stability (Weisenfeld and Anna 4). Besides, farmers can benefit from decentralized extension services, assess and access markets through technology facilitation and information sharing (Weisenfeld and Anna 4). Therefore, technology contributes to increasing the availability, access, utilization, and stability of food systems.

The quality and efficiency of human transport have improved due to modern technology. The infrastructural development in road and port networks has seen an increased use and regular gridlocks. Information and communication-based technologies are beneficial in optimizing transport activities especially in urban areas (Zapata Cortes et al. 78). Technology assists in linking transport logistics with an information system resulting in efficient management processes. Computer tools support such technologies like the Intelligent Transportation System to optimize operation and decision-making thereby improving mobility and safety (Zapata Cortes et al. 78). Ideally, the technology assists in traffic routing and signaling, vehicle monitoring, parking management, and safety warnings (Zapata Cortes et al. 84). As such, technology facilitates the communication between infrastructure, systems, and people leading to efficiency in the transportation sector.

Technology plays a pivotal role in improving human healthcare. There have been many changes in the healthcare system driven by a shift in technologies. Firstly, technology has increased the acceleration of medical procedures. For example, today hospitals have automated the infusion pump process and plastic molding, which previously took hours (Thimbleby 161). Consequently, the prices for such processes have gone down, increasing profit margins, and encouraging more investments in the medical sector. Secondly, today thanks to technology, healthcare is increasingly becoming personalized with drugs, procedure, and medical appliances being available to meet individual needs (Thimbleby 161). Therefore, it is possible to manage the side effects associated with various medical plans. Thirdly, in health facilities, the capacity to handle big data through automated information systems is improving. It is possible to capture and store information on patients' diagnosis and treatment using computer programs (Lee, Jeffrey, and Robert 546). As a result, there is more capacity to store, manipulate, evaluate, and share health information. Lastly, the power of social media enabled by technological advancement is contributing to preventive healthcare (Thimbleby 162). Currently, patients or health conscious individual can access mobile health using information and communication devices. Thus, healthcare is more accessible and decentralized from hospitals.

Importantly, technology supports the development and management of business processes. Technology facilitates social interactions between business parties. A business, ordinarily involves an interaction between individuals and business before an exchange of services and products occur. A study conducted in Sweden examining over 354 business-to-business relationships revealed that informational technologies ease business exchange and decrease the need for physical meetings (Lindh et al. 10). In this case, technology plays the mediating role by building business relationships and expands commercial networks through information and communication technologies. Further, technology assists in operations management in a business. These processes are concerned with managing people, technology, capital, finances, products, change involved in the production (Alzoubi and Neama 18). Besides, research technology plays a crucial part in improving process technique and quality control. Consequently, the efficiency of business operations increases. Lastly, technology has driven the growth of e-commerce. In definition, e-commerce refers to the transaction between a seller and a consumer on an online electronic platform (Nair 324). E-commerce transactions in commerce include the transfer of funds electronically, E-Banking, inventory management systems, digital supply and marketing on online platforms such as websites (Nair 324). The advent of the internet, the levels of business transacted online has increased dramatically with countries like India generating $24 billion in 2015 trade and USA transacting $400 billion worth of goods and services in 2016 (Nair 324). Hence, technology has transformed the traditional way of doing business.

Disadvantages of Technology

In a negative way, technology creates a digital divide that leads to social and skills marginalization. The term digital divide refers to the disparity that emerges between the people who can access information, communication, and technology and those who cannot as well as the access to the internet (Srinuan and Erik 2). The divide can also occur between those who can use and those who cannot both at individual and state levels. In this case, technology use may be limited by factors such as high costs and lack of technical knowledge to use. Undesirably, the digital divide leads disparities between people in term of participation in economic, social, democratic space (Srinuan and Erik 17). A case in study emerges in the education sector. Research, conducted on the impact of technology in teaching revealed that the older teachers showed reluctance on technological adoption. It emerged that the majority of the older teachers as compared to the young ones did not have the necessary training on the use of modern technology (Stosic 111). More so, some teachers perceived technology as a threat to their job security. Notably, students using educational technology displayed a tendency to work independently rather than rely on the teachers (Stosic 111). Hence, there is a need to bridge the skills gap by equipping individuals with technical skills as well as providing access to both ICT hardware and software.

Technology contributes to environmental pollution and degradation. To start with, technology facilitates agriculture and mining activities of which are disruptive to the physical and chemical quality of water and soil (Coccia 3). In addition, industrialization has accelerated the rate of climate change through the release of greenhouse gases (Coccia 4). In logic, industries create the need for mass production of goods and services to meet huge consumer demands leading to capital-intensive production systems. Coccia quotes a study on the history of industrialization in the USA and Europe that indicates there was a massive release of mutagens and carcinogens whose impact persists today (3). High levels of production translate to air pollution, which in turn affects the ecosystem and the quality of health. For example, studies reveal that the rise in fine particulates found in polluted air accounts to a 6% increase in mortality levels (Coccia 4). Furthermore, technological advancement has created a paradigm shift that perceives big to be better (Coccia 3). Consequently, human civilizations have invested in the large-scale project, multi-purpose technologies, and radical innovations that create a huge impact on populations and environment. Unfortunately, the effect has been quick extraction and high rate of depletion of non-renewable resources. It is thus correct to assert that though technology has increased support systems, it has come at a cost of health and environmental wellbeing.

Though technology has increased the output of human communication, the quality has depreciated. Ideally, most communication supported by information technologies runs on internets platforms such as emails, chats, and a virtual interface (Matusitz 22). In a limiting manner, the internet is seen to create a techno-culture that for many young people is the only way of interaction they can use. For example, surveys in the U.K revealed that 91% of households make use mobile phones, and 73% use internet on daily basis (Goodman-Deane et al. 219). In addition, since communication and interactions happen through a virtual interface, then one may not lean the...