Technology: Progress or Perils?

960 Words2 Pages

Technology is produced whenever someone develops something that meets a basic human need. It is something that makes perfect common sense. Many people have experienced aha moments when a new invention is advertised. It is not unusual to wonder why one did not think of the idea oneself. However, the assumption that technology always equal progress is a fallacy. Technology can be detrimental, dangerous and aggravating.

Americans have become increasingly less physically active. According to Ellen DeGeneres in This is How We live, “Modern life requires hardly any physical activity. We are just lazy” (DeGeneres 638). There are moving sidewalks in airports and escalators in malls. People do not even have to roll down car windows anymore. There are no qualms that each of these technologies has made life easier. However, they have also been detrimental, because Americans are more obese than almost any other time in history. These technologies have fostered sedentary lifestyles.

Technologies that were meant to make things easier have actually been sources of aggravation for some people. “They are making these automatic toilets that flush on their own schedule. Sometimes the just go off randomly. You are sitting down and suddenly it flushes. How dare you! I’ll when I’m done!” (DeGeneres 640). Obviously, these technologies were meant to maintain cleanliness in public restrooms. However, when a toilet flushes at will and faucets determine how much water one receives the user becomes frustrated.

Computers have played their role in technological advances. They are amazing when they are functioning properly and horrendous when they are not. In Technological Somnambulism, Winner relates, “A student came into my office on the da...

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...e’s health, safety and even life.

Technology has brought society toilets that flush on their own and faucets that determine how much water you require. People now have sidewalks that move and escalators. It has brought the age of computers, and even magical, intelligent machines. All have been intended to simplify life and solve problems. They certainly are not all bad. Society has progressed at the helm of technology. Yes, it is superior. However, it is also detrimental, frustrating and dangerous.

Works Cited

DeGeneres, Ellen. "This is How We Live." Latterell, Catherine G. Remix. Bedford/St. Martin, 2010. 639-643.

Norman, Donald A. "The Psychology of People and Machines." Latterell, Catherine G. Remix. Bedford/St. Martin, 2010. 687-695.

Winner, Langdon. "Techonolgical Somnambulism." Latterell, Catherine G. Remix. Bedford/St. Martin, 2010. 644-649.

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