Are we moving too far with technology?

What is technology? According to Random House Webster’s College Dictionary, technology “is the application of knowledge for practical ends” or the “branch of knowledge that deals with applied science, engineering, and the industrial arts.” Now with that said, one has to wonder how far our society has progressed in the age of technology. I’ve concluded that technology has single handily taken over the lives of most Americans. In today’s day and age, one can barely look around without seeing someone with some form of technology whether it be an iPad, smartphone, or even a tablet.

While I agree that our technological advancements benefit and assist us, I wonder if technology has gone from assisting to taking over our lives. For instance, how often do we think about the fact that we must look through our phones’ contacts in order to call our parents? It may seem a pity, however, the fact of matter is that most of us can’t even remember the number to our household without the help of some form of technology. Instead of assisting our lives, I fear that technology has prompted man to become subconscious idiots or in the words of CNN columnist LZ Granderson, “automated idiot savants.” The simple things that we take for granted have been over-shadowed by our advances in technology. In retrospect, surveys have shown that 65 percent of U.S. consumers are spending more time with their computers than their significant others. Not to mention that most U.S. consumers are unsatisfied with their technological experiences at times.

As if that’s not enough, take a look at the issues of Drone Warfare. There exist myriad amounts of explanations to the benefits of Drones; however, drones have given countries the option to use a precise long-range attack without any casualties. This raises the ethical and moral question: how can we consider technology a form of assistance if that same technology has been shown to terrorize others? Like the atomic bomb, even though drones exemplify mankind’s compatibility to keep up with modern times, heavy reliance on technology will soon transform into destruction. Essentially, it can be argued that Drones will become a prime example of how destruction can manifest from technology.

By no means am I arguing that our technological advances have not aided in our continuance in life, however, the humanistic or traditional side of me believes that these advances have moved beyond assistance to obsession. How often is it thought that by the push of a button, an entire country of people can be wiped from the face of the earth? Not to mention, such advancement flourished due to technology. Inasmuch as technology has simplified certain aspects of everyday life, it, has also caused conflict and destruction that are prevalent in today’s society. So next time you open up your smartphone or Mac computer think about its role in your life, while by-passing the fact that technology makes life easier.