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Introduction
In this day and age, it is a rarity to find someone who doesn’t own a mobile phone or laptop or has no knowledge of apps and the latest gadgets. Technology today has infiltrated even the most intimate parts of our lives and has become a basic accessory in our routines.
The question is, have we become too dependent on technology? The author of this argumentative essay processes her thoughts on this reflection question.
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Rethinking the Role of Technology in Everyday Life
As we think about our everyday routines and the things that we need to be able to accomplish our tasks, our gadgets would probably top our list of must-haves. Whether mobile phones, Internet access, or any other electronic device like laptops, it seems that technology helps us get things done in this modern world.
While we cannot deny that these electronic devices are indeed making life easier, it is important for us to reflect on the way we rely on them. Are we becoming overly dependent on technology? Have they become so essential in our lives that we become anxious when we lose them or leave them at home?
I have owned several smart phones since becoming a teenager. My parents had no qualms about giving me one since they needed a way to contact me when I’m out of the house. I have also had a laptop since I was younger, and I didn’t grow up in a world where there was barely any Internet access. I am part of the younger generation that has become incredibly tech-savvy.
My Personal Connection to Technology
It is so difficult for me to determine whether or not I am overly dependent on my cell phone and laptop because I don’t really know a life without them. I use them not only for personal purposes, but also to study, do research, and connect with my schoolmates whenever we have group projects. What I love about my phone and laptop is that they both have easy access to Wi-Fi. Being able to connect to the Internet 24/7 is extremely important to me as I use it to get information that I need on the go.
I think that while being dependent on technology is not necessarily a bad thing, not being able to function without it is a concern. It can be debilitating when you realize that you left your mobile phone at home and all of the important numbers and apps that you need to be able to do your errands are there. However, even as a young person, I recognize that you can actually do all the things you need to do without them! Yes, it may take a lot longer, but it certainly is possible.
Technology’s Top Two Qualities: Speed and Convenience
One of the ways in which technology makes us hooked to it is the fact that it increases our efficiency and provides the information we need immediately. Search engines have become a regular way to look something up, rendering phonebooks and even Out-of-Home media obsolete or not as relevant as before. If you need to know the top ten Italian eateries in your locality, all you have to do is open your search engine and you’ll get results in seconds. Without it, you would have to look around for advertisements or ask around, and this could take you hours or even days.
Apps have also made errands so much faster to accomplish, particularly banking and e-commerce. It takes so long to run a bank errand, especially on peak days when you would have to wait in line for your turn. With a bank app, all you have to do is press a few buttons and all of your money transfers and deposits would be taken care of in minutes.
Shopping during a major sale can also be stressful and chaotic because of the number of people storming the shops, but with a dedicated app for your favorite brand, all you have to do is add your favorite items to your cart and check out. You then conveniently wait for your purchases to arrive at your doorstep.
Indeed, technology has made comfort and convenience a common experience, and so we no longer tolerate anything that takes more than an hour to accomplish. Our everyday lives revolve around efficiency and speed, so we have gotten accustomed to expecting instant gratification for everything. Imagine going back to a life where you would have to spend long days checking off your list or getting errands out of the way. You would also have to physically be out of the house and constantly moving from one place to another in order to do so. For a person who has never done this before, this can be particularly debilitating.
Technology and the Younger Generation
I think this fixation on information technology is mostly an issue for young people, as even the most basic tasks are now done via technology. Simple calculations that can be done mentally are done on a digital calculator while the joy of playing carefree games has been converted into intense and isolating online gaming.
At this point, I believe that it is important for our parents and the other trustworthy adults in our lives to teach us what it’s like to live without depending so much on our phones and laptops, even Internet access. Perhaps they could teach us some life skills that could be mastered without any need to open our gadgets. They can teach us a family heirloom recipe that they know from memory and pass it on to us. They could also involve us in traditional board games that require long hours of fun and play.
I believe that it is possible for my generation to enjoy a technology-free life. We just have to be open to trying it out.
FAQs
How Does Technology Affect Our Daily Living?
On the upside, it is known for guaranteeing convenience and speed in our daily lives. Whether it’s running errands, shopping, or looking up information, with just a phone and Internet access, you will get all the information you need in mere seconds. Even in education, it enables kids to enjoy creative learning via specific activities that can be done on the computer. Families and friends rely on messaging apps to keep in touch and to continuously nurture relationships.
However, on the downside, technology can be very isolating. Because it allows you to do everything from the comfort of home, motivation to go outside, socialize and even get some fresh air decreases. People have been known to stay in their rooms for hours playing games on their laptops or streaming videos. To an extent, there is a risk of getting addicted to its benefits.
Are Teens Too Reliant On Technology?
Unfortunately, young people grew up in a whole where technology is a norm. They don’t know a life where you have to always go to the public library to do your research or line up at a bank to deposit money. They have also gotten used to attaining everything in seconds or hours. They panic and get stressed when something that should have only taken minutes suddenly takes hours. They get instantly anxious when the Internet is down. They can’t seem to entertain themselves for hours without online gaming or video streaming websites.