By Parmida Schahhosseini
Throughout history technological innovations have often led to greater efficiency in our daily lives.
Whether those advances occurred during the industrial revolution or in this time period, the world is constantly changing as a result of these advances.
Creating and developing new technologies is important because it continues to make life more efficient.
Modern technology enables us to be connected to the world through social media and video technology.
Is there a point where technology goes too far despite these advances?
Common sense tells us that too much of anything is bad, but does this apply to technological advances as well?
For example, many researchers are looking into robotics to eventually replace workers in certain industries, which could spell trouble for the middle class. Google Glass is also becoming a hot topic getting mixed reviews from the public.
It’s a good thing to be connected to the world, but wearing a computer doesn’t seem necessary.
As we become consumed in the digital world, we have to begin questioning our dependency.
Are we losing our ability to think critically? Are we as a society risking our humanity at the expense of technological advancement?
Personal interaction is important. This is why most people don’t choose to go through a self-checkout line at a grocery store.
People want to connect with others and while technology enables us to do so, it also hinders it in the same way.
People can text or video chat someone, but it can’t replace face-to-face interaction.
In “Walden,” Henry David Thoreau abandons society and lives life with only the necessities. Thoreau begins to feel invigorated when his self-sufficiency pays off. He discovered the importance of living a life to the fullest and experiencing all that nature can teach us.
I’m not saying that we should leave society and live in the woods, but at what moment do we risk dehumanizing ourselves at the expense of creating these technologies to make life easier?
Family units are also affected by technology as they become disconnected with one another. Families are spending less time with each other because children are glued to technology.
Unfortunately, most parents tolerate these behaviors, escalating the problem.
Humans have complex brains that are made for critical thinking.
While the creator of these innovations has used their brain to develop these inventions, the people using the technologies are losing their ability to think.
For example, many people don’t know how to do simple math equations without a calculator.
Spell check has hindered our ability to spell simple words correctly.
In this era it is impossible not to be connected digitally.
The news a 24/7 business and it waits for no one.
Even after a day of abandonment we would feel behind.
In order to stay connected to the world we have to be aware of what is going on.
With that being said, it’s equally important to unplug once in a while and life live.
Being fixated solely on technology will get us nowhere.
We have to experience the fullness of life and humanize ourselves by not getting wrapped up with all these advances.
While texting is great for connecting with people, a phone conversation can go much further.
Parmida Schahhosseini is a senior journalism major from Würzburg, Germany. She is a sports writer for the Lariat.
