In this article, the writer explores the advantages as well as the disadvantages of technology.
Introduction
Science
is all about gathering information and knowledge, however, technology, on the
other hand, is the practical application of it. Scientists research and
unearth natural phenomena and gather information about them, and then
technologists and engineers use this knowledge to shape machines and
technologies for the welfare of humankind. We somewhat know about the positive
aspects of technology in our lives, however, we must see the dark side of the
image as well, that it devastates our lives in one way or another.
Benevolent Technologies
Before
going into the main subject of this article, let me shade light on technology
as a benevolent, first of all. Human life has been improved by the discoveries
and inventions made by scientists and technologists with humankind’s welfare in
mind. Almost every field of our life has seen these improvements and
innovations that have resulted in multiple sea changes. Let’s dwell on some of
the outstanding changes brought about by technology in the life of a human
being.
Transportation
In
olden days, people used to travel on animals like camels, horses, donkeys, and
elephants. These sources were albeit workable, however, by far slow, that a
kilometer distance would take an hour. But, the today’s sources of traveling
are quite different from those of the past in every aspect. With the invention
of faster trains, cars, motorcycles, and other machines, the distances have
been shrunk to their lowest. It has become possible to cover thousands of
kilometers within a single day. What’s more, people of the past centuries could
not imagine traveling by air, which has become a common practice of today’s
human beings. Furthermore, the airplane is now considered to be the fastest,
safest, and most tranquil source of travel.
Health
Human
health has been greatly affected by these innovations in technology. With advancements
in medical sciences, the recognition and treatments of many lethal disorders
are possible, that has resulted in the increase of life expectancy. By virtue
of this, we have controlled many disease which were once impossible to control.
Once upon a time, Malaria and TB were incurable fatal and infectious diseases,
which people succumbed to in huge number every year, but now it could be
treated within months if not weeks. The more recent example is that of Polio
that has been almost stamped out of the earth, and some are awaiting, like
Covid-19.
Electricity
Moreover,
before the invention of electricity, there was somewhat lacking the concept of
artificial light. It is said that, when Thomas Edison, the father of
inventions, invented his electrical bulb, people would consider it a
supernatural thing. Today, on any special occasion, people embellish their
houses with hundreds of small, colorful bulbs. Moreover, the invention of
electricity has paved the way for the invention of other countless electrical accessories
like mobile, computer, radio, telephone, and television, etc.
Communication
Furthermore,
in the past, the sources of communication were limited and pretty weak. People
would use to burn fire to get other people contacted. But now, there are countless
sources of communication, which are more powerful and effective. Mobile is an
example of such communicating sources. In seconds, we could contact others,
even those who are thousands of kilometers away from us. More recently, the
invention of the Internet has stunned everyone. A number of websites are there
in this net, in which, social, educational, and entertainment types of sites
are included. It has made possible the exchange of knowledge between diverse
communities of the world. I am able to convey a little knowledge of mine to
everyone, lying in this net.
Space Technology
The
human being is naturally very curious. He is not contented with what he has
achieved. He always thinks of something new to do. It was a strange, nay
impossible to think of exploring what is impossible to explore. It all began,
when he wished to land on the moon. But, anyhow, he made it possible by his
hard-working and solemn willingness. It was not the end, when human being
landed on the moon, because, now he has made a space station in the space,
where astronauts could go for research and exploration by spacecraft in a
casual manner. Even more recently, thanks to these advancements in cosmology,
humans have intended to look for life on other planets, in which Mars is included.
Malevolent Technologies
Looking
at these remarkable achievements, we could say that we are living in an
interesting era, where science and technology reign. But, there is a catch, we
have also lost many things to this technological-driven time as well.
Lethal Arms
Science
and technology have given us many types of lethal arms. Gun is an example of
such arms, which can take human life. Cannons, missiles, and bombs are further
examples of these machines. What is the deadliest of them all is the atom bomb,
which could bring about catastrophes within seconds. Past was comparatively
better, when battles and wars were fought with swords, and the maximum
causality of human lives would be in hundreds, even in very large-scale fights.
However, the manner of war, like everything, has changed. A single human being
can kill off thousands if not millions of people just by pushing a button and
bang!
Notorious Vehicles
Today,
we have such vehicles that could carry rockets, bombs, and such other notorious
things. Tank is one of these vehicles, which ejects big mortars, and could
carry out distractions. In addition, such airplanes have also been invented
which could carry rockets, and hover over their target within seconds.
Undue Use of Internet
Moreover,
as we could see that the benefits of the Internet are countless, however, it
has dismantled some social norms. Decades before, people would talk to each
other in their free time, and discuss everyday events. However, the situation
of today is grim. It has disconnected a human being from his family and dearest
friends, however, connected with those, who are far, far away from him. What is
more dismal, is that students kill their time by overusing social websites. The
overuse of social websites has rendered many people mentally disturbed, which
is also a negative aspect of internet among other.
Environmental Pollution
In
addition, technology could be considered to be the root cause of environmental
pollutions. Machines in factories, vehicles, and many other types of machines,
use fuel in huge quantities. As a result of its combustion, many toxic gases
are injected into the atmosphere, causing many fatal diseases. Moreover, these
harmful gases can also cause climatic changes, which in turn, cause global
warming and droughts, a state of no rain for a long period of time.
Conclusion
To
be realistic, we could not blame technology for its disastrous results, as, it
is all because of human being, who uses it in this way. The gun trigger is in
his hand and the bullet could only leave the gun by the will of a human being.
Also, the chemical reactions, that undergo in the most lethal bombs like the
hydrogen bomb, atom bomb, and many other, could be used for the production of
very cheap electricity. Unfortunately, we still use them the other round.
After all, technology is a necessity of today’s life, and its contributions to the prosperity of our lives couldn’t be neglected. However, we need to take notice of its heinous use against human life, as done casually in this technological era. Having seen that we could use it both positively and negatively, and in the case of the former, we can make our life more leisure, and if the latter happens, then the downfall of human race is certain.
About the Writer
The
writer is the student of 9th grade at Oxford School & College Bannu, and is
the instructor of English grammar and composition at Hamza Coaching Academy.
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