Much has been said about the pros and cons of technology, but it remains a topic that begs for discussion. In just over a decade, we’ve seen colossal technological advancements that deliver both the good and the bad. On this same note, we can’t help but wonder, how is modern technology helpful and harmful to society?.
When talking about modern technology, the first few things that come to mind are electric vehicles, space travel, wireless charging, and robots. Such developments help shape society and, as many argue, can potentially contribute to its ruin.
In this post, we discuss the two sides of technology: the one that builds and the other that destroys. Read on and feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.
How is modern technology helpful and harmful to society?
Almost every person on the surface of the earth has used modern technology at least once. No matter how techie or not, modern technology has made its way into our lives. From smartphone devices we use to communicate, GPS systems we use when traveling, and flat-screen TVs that replaced bulky, cathode ray types – all of it are products of modern technology.
It’s fair to say that technology has shaped our society in different ways – both the good and the bad. Below, we outlined a few points and comparisons about this aspect.
Advantages of modern technology to society
We’d like to believe that modern technology is the product of great intentions. With that, it has brought the following benefits to us:
1. Effective and better learning
Modern technology has made learning easier and more accessible for many. Proof of this is remote learning where the teachers and students interact through video calls.
The utilization of various gadgets like computers, tablets, smartphones, printers, projectors, and more allows for faster transmission of information to students. At the same time, teaching becomes easier for the teachers.
Also, the advent of the internet provides educators and students with an endless source of information.
2. Improved healthcare
Advancements in healthcare technology have saved countless lives in the past years.
Vaccines are made faster nowadays, allowing for the effective containment of contagious diseases. Medicine production has been more efficient, making it more available to those who need it.
Also, there have been numerous breakthroughs in healthcare that lead to the treatment of previously incurable diseases.
Moreover, modern technology has gifted us with advanced healthcare facilities and equipment. All of these help medical professionals provide better healthcare for their patients.
3. Easier communication
From snail mails to instant chats, modern technology has boosted connectivity in ways we never imagined possible.
With this, families, friends, and partners remain connected despite physical distances. This is possible with mobile phones, computers, tablets, and other devices that provide wireless connectivity.
Such communication advancements also open new industries. Outsourcing, internet service, and tech production are just some of the booming businesses nowadays.
4. Availability of e-commerce
In the past, sellers have to physically offer their goods to stores and public places. But thanks to the internet, businesses are now highly digitalized.
E-commerce first started in 1982, but it became more accessible to small-scale businesses from 2010 onwards.
Right now, you can open an online store in just a few clicks. From there, you can sell your goods and services to a market that’s far-reaching worldwide.
Aside from that, shipping such goods is also easier and cheaper nowadays due to the countless courier services available.
5. Cheaper costs
One of the biggest benefits of modernn technology is cost deficiency. It made a lot of things cheaper without compromising quality or efficacy.
For example, production costs have been cheaper in some industries due to automation. The use of modern equipment also allows companies to produce bigger inventories in a shorter span of time.
Overall, technology made it possible to have fewer workers, faster production, and lower cost. Of course, this has a positive and negative side to it.
6. A wide range of entertainment options
Aside from practical benefits, modern technology also provided us with a myriad of entertainment platforms. Music, videos, and movies can now be accessed online. You can literally enjoy a cinema experience right in the comfort of your home.
Moreover, entertainment is now available across ages. This way, you have tons of options on how you’ll spend your free time.
7. Accessibility for disabled individuals
Thanks to technology, individuals with disabilities have better access to opportunities. Experts have invented various devices and equipment that will give disabled individuals a better quality of life.
For example, amputees can now have prosthetic implants to replace their missing limbs. This allows them to move and function just like any normal person.
Aside from that, there are electronic wheelchairs, optical character recognition (OCRs), bionic exoskeletons, cochlear implants, and so much more. It makes the world more inclusive for everyone, regardless of abilities.
8. Better transportation
From normal trains that run at a maximum of 200 km/hr, some countries now have bullet trains that zoom at 350 km/hr. With this, traveling time is much faster so the riding public no longer has to decongest roads with more cars.
Aside from that, modern technology gave us ride-sharing apps where we can book private or shared trips. Flights can also be booked online, anytime, and anywhere.
9. Advancements in agriculture
Agriculture also benefited from modern technology. The creation of better agricultural equipment allowed farmers to have better yields and higher income.
This includes tractors, planters, harvesters, drainage systems, planting technology, and more. Also, advancements in agricultural technology help prevent various diseases that affect crops.
Modern transportation is also a big help in agriculture. This allows faster and more efficient transport of goods, so perishable veggies and fruits will arrive fresh in markets.
10. Renewable power sources
Modern technology allowed us to harness renewable power sources directly from the sun. Solar panels have become a trend as an alternative source of electricity. While the upfront cost is steep, it will pay for itself once you’re enjoying free electricity every day.
Aside from powering homes, solar energy is also now being used in cars, factories, street lights, and more. It’s a great way to reduce carbon footprint and potentially embrace this technology even more in the future.
Disadvantages of modern technology to society
As with anything, modern technology has its downsides. It’s important to recognize this part, so we can balance – if not avoid – such pitfalls in the future.
1. More pollution and wastage
Pollution has been one of the costs we have to pay for modern technology. Extensive use of technology translates to more emissions. It also releases harmful radiation into the environment, which contributes to the deterioration of our natural resources.
Aside from that, many companies cut down forests to build factories, some pollute the seas with post-production emissions, and there’s also a massive dilemma when it comes to electronic waste.
2. Work or school distraction
As much as technology can help in improving the quality of education, it can also become a distraction if not utilized well.
Kids who have no screen time limits tend to compromise school work to play mobile games. The same goes for professionals who spend too much time scrolling into their endless social media feeds.
Take note that technological distractions can also lead to accidents. Distracted driving due to cellphone usage accounts for up to 1.6 million crashes in the U.S. each year.
3. Security issues
Together with the rise of modern technology is the proliferation of hackers and scammers. These unscrupulous individuals spread malware to steal personal information online.
Scammers trick people using various techniques to steal money and information for their own gains.
Privacy is also at stake as hackers can spy through security cameras and devices. So while you enjoy the perks of modern technology, it’s also crucial to remain vigilant.
4. Health problems
Technology can both save and endanger lives. Those who overuse technology like mobile devices tend to suffer from insomnia, poor eyesight, hearing loss, neck strain, headaches, and even depression.
And since technology makes things convenient for us, it also sets us towards a sedentary lifestyle. This directly increases the risk of obesity across ages.
Many office jobs nowadays involve extended hours of sitting and minimal physical movements. In the long run, this can take its toll on a person’s health.
5. Addictive tendencies
Technology can also be addictive, which will directly impact a person’s mental health. This happens when a person has excessive and extensive gadget use with no control.
Addiction to technology can manifest on varying levels. Mild cases involve hours of social media scrolling while worse ones include sacrificing sleep for the sake of gaming or watching videos.
6. Negative impact on relationships
Technology can build and hurt relationships due to excessive use. For example, couples who are always glued to their phones miss out on quality time, face-to-face communication, and real-life intimacy. Soon, this can start misunderstandings and arguments.
On the other hand, non-romantic relationships are also affected by technology. Teenagers tend to lose time with family and friends as they prefer online conversations.
7. Limits creativity
Experts have mentioned that instant access to information due to technology limits a person’s creativity. We become dependent on search engines in providing us with every information and solution that we need. Over time, we lose our eagerness to think and come up with our own solutions to problems.
Observations in the past indicate lower creativity scores among those who are always distracted by electronic devices.
8. Technology dependence
Lastly, being too dependent on technology is preventing us from realizing our full potential. Instead of experiencing manual work, we’ve gotten used to having machines and systems do it for us.
Moreover, many people rely on technology to resolve even the smallest problems they have. This is dangerous as it erodes a person’s ability to solve problems, make decisions, and communicate their needs.
Final words
How is modern technology helpful and harmful in society?. We hope that this article has given you insights into the advantages and disadvantages of technology. While technological advancements have improved our quality of life, some hazards come with it.
It’s important to recognize these points to ensure that we’re balancing both sides. This way, the benefits of technology will outweigh the downsides.