Free Essay

How Technology Has Affected Our Lives

In: English and Literature

Submitted By m9750daycare
Words 1337
Pages 6
How Technology has Affected Our Lives Technology has certainly changed the lives of many people in today’s world. According to several reviews, as well as several books written by Nicholas Carr tend to point us in the direction of the technology not being such a good thing. While there are many forms of technology that are used for many different things such as: digital TV, social networking, cellular phones, notebooks, laptops, personal computers and the list goes on are they taking us away from the realities of life? Many sources or authors have their versions of how the different technology has made improvements in our lives; as well as how they are making us think and do a lot less than we used to. The internet makes getting information on any subject so easy for us that sometimes we tend not to do the work, or research that is needed to fully understand what we are doing; instead we follow the instructions and if we need it again we go through the same process without ever learning how to complete the task. This is just the beginning of how technology changes our lives and perhaps we get things done, but are we really learning? This is the question that we hope to answer along the way. There are many ways in which technology has in fact changed lives; the first concern that will be addressed is the way in which technology mainly electronic media has caused changes to occur. When we think of electronic media for this purpose we will focus on television, computers, electronic toys and games, personal devices (such as smart phones and tablets). Consider all of the items listed and how they have increased the concern for health issues due to the inactive lifestyle that this type of technology promotes (Gonzalez-Mena). The major health issue is because these devices does not allow for those using them to be active; therefore it does not benefit the user in keeping physically fit. The television plays a role in the unhealthy affects that technology has by promoting unhealthy eating by snacking, and fast food in which they make it appear so enticing. There are also bad effects from television programs that promote violence and unprotected sex, this issue is also prevalent in the electronic games and toys that tend to portray violent acts and vulgar language. Although, research suggests that there can be a positive interaction with electronic devices such as television and games when they are used in the proper manner, with the proper programming it should still be limited in nature. Computers in the early care and educational programs are still considered to be an issue; as it has not been determined that computers in the preschool setting actually contribute to children’s learning, development, health or well being (Gonzalez-Mena). According to Alice Martin, there are four negative side effects that overusing technology will create in our children: * Elevated Exasperation occurs when children have indulged themselves into the games, and internet to a point that there is no longer a parent child relationship. When the parents want to talk, or has something else for the child to do it creates instant frustration, and in some cases rebellion (Martin). * Deteriorated Patience happens when the child’s tolerance disappear increasingly due to improper technology use. They become impatient when things are not done quickly (Martin). * Declining Writing Skills due to online chatting and shortcuts. Children relying more on digital communications rather than speaking or writing in proper English. * Lack of Physical Interaction because of the ways in which communication is done through technology; many people do not interact one on one with individuals. Most communication is done through technological devices; children do not know how to interact with each other and also have limited social skills.
Technology has played a tremendous role in teacher’s efficacy. Teacher’s efficacy is simply one’s personal belief in themselves and their ability to help children learn. The teacher’s ability is also associated with the choices of activities they choose, what they put into it and if they are persistent. There are not many studies that look at the use of technology such as videos to enhance the teachers efficacy as well as the students; however studies show that this type of technology have resulted in a favorable experience (Rosenfeld). There are different opinions as to if technology is good for children or bad; there are conflicting opinions and facts. The overall assumption seems to be that when used properly and in the correct manner it can be a good tool for children to learn. The video’s used for the study consisted of mathematical content, and also content that demonstrated knowledge of mathematical development; this included the teachers knowledge of what the children understood, and how they learned it. This in itself presents evidence that technology when used properly can and will be a great benefit to the children in the classroom. However the issue of technology is not just with the children in the classroom; it is more so with the children when they are at home or not in a structured setting with a teacher. Technology’s impact on families today is causing a break down in the core values which in times past held the family together (Rowan). The advancement of technology has been so vast that most families do not recognize all of the changes that have taken place within their families. The Kaiser Foundation released a study that showed elementary aged children spend an average of seven and a half hours per day playing games, while seventy five percent have televisions in their rooms, and fifty percent of Americans leave the televisions on all day (Rowan). Because children rely so heavily on technology for their entertainment they lack the creative activity and imagination they once relied upon. The lack of physical activity causes a delay in the child’s normal development, which results in a harmful impact on their basic foundation skills and learning ability. The children that enter school are so attached to high speed games and technology that they struggle with self control and the awareness skills needed for learning and they become behavior problems for the teacher’s in school. The children that are attached to the different types of technology have an increase in psychological disorders, behavior disorders, obesity, coordination disorders, developmental delays, speech, anxiety, and sleep disorders are just some of the issues associated with children and the overuse of technology. There are many different opinions related to the use of technology and children concerning whether it is good or bad; research suggests that there are good methods as well as bad methods of using technology. The overall consensus seems to be that if technology is used in a limited fashion as a teaching tool then it may be very useful in the classroom as a aid to teaching. The problems arise when there is no supervision over the use of technology, there are no time constraints on how long, and there is no guidance on what is appropriate and what is not. The children have and can learn many things when the programs being used are age appropriate, and they are allowed to use technology along with the own creative and intellectual ability. So technology is great and very useful when it is used appropriately; however it appears that many children are not using it appropriately so the problem continues to exist.

Works Cited
Carr, Nicholas. The Shallows: What the Internet is doing to our brains. New York: W.W.Norton & Company Inc., 2010. Book.
Gonzalez-Mena, Janet. Strategies for Communicating and Working with Diverse Families. Upper Saddle River: Pearson Education, 2007. 133 - 136.
Martin, Alice. The 4 Negative Side Effects of Technology. 30 May 2013. Document. 8 April 2014.
Rosenfeld, Deborah. "Fostering Teacher Efficacy." 13 March 2014. Center for Children Technology. Article. 08 April 2014.
Rowan, Cris. The Impact of Technology on the Developing Child. 29 May 2013. Document. 8 April 2014.

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

The Positives and Negatives of Technolog

...negatives of technology The internet is perhaps the greatest technological advancement of our lifetime. It allows us to more easily share, organize, and plan our lives with one another in a busy, fast-paced, moving at the speed-of- life, world. However, as we become more immersed in this technological wave, our real-life connections with one another are drying out-- often times even to the detriment of our very own mental and physical well-being. In a time when computerized interactions are replacing social opportunities, it is positively critical that we learn to find a balance between our cyber and real lives, for this technology will only continue to impact and evolve itself in our world. MySpace, Facebook, Twitter—these are just a few of the social networks that many argue have almost completely done away with the social experience. The internet has forced us to revolutionize the way we connect with the world. It helps us to bridge the literal distance between friends, meet new people and even create a new persona. The internet allows us to obtain information at the touch of a button. Information that in the past would have taken hours maybe even days to collect now take us the minutes for someone to respond to an e-mail. It has given traditional and non-traditional students the opportunity to obtain college degrees from schools miles away. There is no question that the internet has enriched our lives in so many ways. The one question that remains; has the internet...

Words: 683 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Sociology

...reading this quote one can presume that most philosophers and thinkers alike look for a deeper meaning within their lives and throughout society. Previous to this course my viewpoint and attitude were based on the people of which I surround myself with, the life experiences I have encountered and the way in which we make our decisions and why. Following my studies I have found this foundation of my knowledge to be valid and rather accurate although there are numerous factors which make up our decisions and how we end up where we are, studying sociology has assisted me in becoming more aware of different factors which I may have not considered to make up a society and how in turn this has enhanced my sense of identity. In relation to individuality and where I am in society I have found there are a number of entities which define me within the social order, that being of where I have lived in the world, the people I surround myself with, the cultures I have endured and seen, the values I was taught as a child and to this day as an adult and the way in which I come to make my decisions. Attending 13 schools and living in 3 continents over 7 major cities all over the world up until the age of 16 I found this hard to deal with as a child, the older I become the more I realise how this has facilitated the way in which I live my life, I have come to realise how adaptable I am to many situations and that I am resilient to most circumstances of...

Words: 1623 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Technology in Curriculum Development

...TECHNOLOGY IN CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT Introduction Technology can no longer be ignored at this point in time of our lives. Truly, technology is and has been incorporated into and has shaped our society. Technology affects numerous components and institutions of the society including education. Thereby, adult education is neither exempt nor immune to its effects. Integration and inclusion of technology to adult education facilitates learning within the adult learners rather than hindering it (Wang, 2011). However, inclusion and integration of technology into adult education has faced several challenges from the people involved in it to the institution that comprise such a sector of education. Most of the write-ups and research have been focused on the teacher who needs to have and/or be equipped with knowledge in technology as well as the acceptance and readiness of the adult students towards technology integration as well as on the digital division that technology might do to the society (Johnson, 2011; Langille, 2004; Kok, 2006). However, all of such challenges have been answered already or continuously answered wherein most scholars agreed that technology does have more beneficial effects than bad ones. Seldom focused on the curriculum development of the adult education wherein it is one of the vital factors to which the teachers and adult students have and are basing their pedagogies and learning. Curriculum comes from a Latin word currere which means to run but more...

Words: 2286 - Pages: 10

Free Essay

Feasbility

...ways to decorate and present products to customers, technology will be essential. We decided to present 3D display windows as well as decorating options to help the design industry evolve along with technology. We are aware that technology is becoming an essential part of our lives in every aspect and every industry needs to find ways to work with it. Without technology our business would not work because we provide a service, which allows store owners to have a 3D experience of what their stores will look like, allowing them to save time and money. Demographic changes The United States population is expected to expand by a 100 million in the next 40 years. It is also expected to grow older. We believe that these changes affect our company in negative and positive ways. It will be affected negatively because the population will grow somewhat older and older people don’t use technology as often. However, people who will get older will already be exposed to technology and its importance in our everyday lives. As for the growth of population, it will affect us in a positive way because we can expand our market and have more sales. Changes occurring in our socio-cultural environment One of the biggest changes we are living is globalization. Even though this change has been happening since the beginning of civilizations (because there have always been advancements and changes) globalization has become a part of our daily lives. Almost everything we see or do is connected to something...

Words: 901 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

The Young Geneation and Technology

...refused to pay now The Effect of Technology on the Young Generation Name University In today`s world, the development of the younger generation is greatly affected by digitization. Technology changes the experience of childhood not only socially but also in both economical and cultural aspects. Technology has the greatest influence on the world today, and we are constantly surrounded by it and life will almost be impossible without it (Davies, 2010). In the below summary, I have outlined briefly how the media has changed the lives of the young generation: The article basically outlines the social, economic and cultural changes that have come about due to digitization. The media is so much engrossed in our lives that it would be impossible for our young generation to survive in its absence. The internet, video and television dictate the morals, cultures and characters the young pick up as they grow up. There are some economic aspects of change brought about by the digital age. In today’s era, Children seem to be staying younger longer. This creates financial dependence which is worsened by the stagnating youth labor market and consequently leading to delayed entrance into adulthood. In addition, there has been tremendous rise in the spending power. The main concern here is not only on the money young people spend but their influence on family decision concerning expenditure and how they might be incorporated into consumer...

Words: 1384 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Technology Term Paper

...Negative Effect of Technology On Our Lives Chapter I Introduction: Modern day technology is probably the main attention of every person nowadays. And it is well evolving in a very fast rate. As we can see, almost every person in the world has their own kind of high-tech materials. Such as cell phones for communication; computers in making documents and other important files; laptops that became the next generation desktops; MP3 players for a much portable and convenient way of listening to music; cars for a much comfortable ride; cameras that is used for capturing the most unforgettable happenings on a person’s life, and many more. In fact, most people can’t live without it. Technology has performed a good impact towards the people, and there is no doubt about it. It lowered the average effort of humans to accomplish a certain task. For example, within just one click, you will see what you are looking for in the computer using the internet. Not like before, you have to go to the library to browse a handful of books in order for you to know what you want; which is a hustle. However, negative effects is always hidden beneath as such; although many will use to emphasize modern technology for many of its advantages and achievements, what many don’t realize is that it has affected and continues to affect the people in a negative way, generally the youth. A. Statement of the problem   Childhood is all about exploration, through the interactive world of technology, most teens are...

Words: 1317 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Global Social Issues

... The social issue that this group has decided to cover is the topic of technological change and the struggles that people have adapting to it. Throughout this paper we will cover many different aspects of technological change. It is true that technology is rapidly changing, everyday there are advancements in different aspects of technology that not only make peoples life easier but also make it harder because we have to learn how to use it. This not only creates many different all new jobs, but it also costs people jobs because their past positions can be replaced with a more efficient one. Throughout the years there have been advancements of the internet through social networking sites such as Facebook that make it easier for families and friends that do not live close to each other to stay in touch. Other tools such as Skype offer the opportunity to video chat, this way businesses and families can see each other while they are away, or have meetings remotely. There are many social challenges that are faced in the topic of social networks. One such instance is the same challenge that was faced in the world of online chat. Through only being able to view what the person is typing and not facial expressions or body language, it can cause some confusion and people take things out of context. This paper will outline many other challenges that are faced with adapting to other parts of technology. Global Social Issue In a world where technology is perpetually changing some people...

Words: 2143 - Pages: 9

Free Essay

Eng 101 Response Paper

...back to her country five years ago. Her best friend – her soul sister – Rachel has been absent in her life since then and this badly affected her. The girl who, once, was cheerful became dull and pessimistic; but thanks to a change of fortune there’s finally light at the end now. The new initiative taken and implemented by the Government of Mahima’s country led to the increase of the internet speed. The upgrade of the telecommunication infrastructure also led to improved network. This has made many people like Mahima to easily video-call their friends and families living far away from them without any interruption. Mahima now video conferences with her best friend everyday. The girl whose academic performance deteriorated before has suddenly started doing better and her mood has improved too! She is now a happier person and thus technology and its improvement has made people like Mahima rejuvenate their lost contacts. Though technology has positive effects in our lives, it also has its negative side. Dilshad Fayeza Haque in her article, “Of Technologies and Lost Conversations” talks about how technology is negatively affecting our lives. She starts with the statement that technology has made us more distracted and careless. According to her, today, we do not use our intellect when doing something because we are too much distracted by technology. Additionally, Dilshad states that technology has demoted our privacy in social media networks while making us desperate for attention. She...

Words: 1715 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Module 1 Assignment

...SUCCESSES IN TECHNOLOGY Successes in Technology Leah Andersen Allied American University Author Note This paper was prepared for SOC250, Module 1 Homework Assignment taught by Instructor Jesse Kleis. Successes in Technology Technology has had a major impact on human successes over the past million years. Possibly the single most influential event in the public’s interest when it comes to science and technology, would be the Apollo II mission. The space field has had a major impact and also has provided us with the ability to learn new technology and advance in our latest technologies. Since the first man walked on the moon, science has advanced at a rapid pace; nuclear power, television, jet engines, satellites and computers proved that only the scope of our imaginations could possibility limit our progress. Ever since the first human walked on the moon, humans have looked beyond the moon to Earth’s neighbor planet, Mars. The Apollo mission showed us looking back at a fragile planet adrift in a void, making us second guess who we were and are in terms of species as well as our species’ place in a vast universe. Discovery of alien life, amounting to nothing more but only a string of protein or some nucleotides, most certainly changed our perspective on the role of life in the cosmos. The space technology has vastly changed our life and our way of living. The automobile is a major human success as well when it comes to technology. The early...

Words: 2087 - Pages: 9

Free Essay

The Internet

...The world has change due to the high technological advances that has happen in the last sixty years of history. Now the government is apparently wants to add a new branch dealing with only technology besides the legislative, judicial, and executive. Technology has and continues to have a combination of both positive and negative effects on society. Computer science has enriched our lives by accomplishing objectives faster, but people rely too heavy on technology and forget how to solve problems using basic everyday skills. The internet has had huge impact on our lives by in terms of businesses and privacy. Businesses continue to be affected by the internet. First, in order for companies to communicate between computer systems they need to hired individuals familiar with computer networking. Computer networking involves troubleshooting networking routers and switches. A business should have individuals familiar with computer programming. Computer programming is the process of writing and testing different algorithms and formal logic. Lastly, business has been affected by the internet is how they sell from business to business and business to consumer. An example of business to business is Oracle Corp. selling their Datatel’s software and services to higher education as well as a consumer buying tickets from Ticketmaster. . Internet privacy for many people continues to be a major concern with the internet. For instance an internet browser collects people profiles...

Words: 360 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Hum176 W2

...term media |The term media convergence with regard to technology means that it involves merging of | |convergence with regard to technology, |technology through various different outlets. The most popular and available are the | |and how has it affected everyday life? |internet outlets.  This is the most popular and effective at carrying information to the | | |masses because technology is advancing everyday and changing to make devices and people | | |more dependent on the internet. These changes are also causing a demand for people to | | |learn how to use them properly. The problem with the internet method of relaying | | |information is that you have to use these devices and know how to do so to receive your | | |information. The internet has put new devices at higher demand and there are even classes | | |on how to use devices so people do not get lost in our ever changing time.  There are | | |other ways in which it has affected everyday life. Many people do there shopping online | | |rather than go out to local stores. This has a direct affect on our local businesses and | | ...

Words: 1204 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Technology Impact Paper

...Technology Impact Paper TEC/401 Human Factors in Technology May 14, 2012 Technology Impact Paper Technology is a fundamental part of our lives; from the largest urban areas to remote populations, we rely on technology to live and work. As our dependence on technology grows, so does our thirst for innovation. As emerging technologies are introduced to the market, users respond with both adulation and acceptance. Although our tech-savvy society eagerly anticipates new technological releases; at times there can be a resistance to innovation. The impact of technology on consumers can be affected by several variables. The method of introduction of the technology to customers, the added value of the technology relative to the technology currently being utilized, the support plan emplaced to address questions and concerns from customers and the importance of new partnerships with technology partners each plays an important role in how technology impacts clients. The method of introduction of new products to customers can be the defining characteristic of a brand; strategically marketed product launches can foster anticipation for new technology. Conversely, radically implemented or poorly released products, (regardless of their value) can be met with opposition. The impact of a poorly introduced product can be greatly affected by the method of introduction. Introduction foul-ups occur when the organization has not clearly defined their respective audience; additional...

Words: 962 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Essay About Technology

...wanted to know Technology is a major crisis, increasing day by day. Many of us deny this, or many don’t want to believe this actually. Unfortunately, yes; it is causing a lot of trouble around our societies. We are suffering from a serious disease called technology. Every day, while I am seeing this virus spreading, many questions started coming to my mind. Aren’t teenagers and kids too small to hold a smartphone? How did our lives change (to worse or better)? Which is better now or then? I already knew that technology is the simple idea to do complex tasks, but in a way or another it has its own side effects. It can be beneficial in many ways, but on the other hand, it can be more...

Words: 1139 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

The Effects Of 9/11 On Terrorism

...Our nation security has never been the same since the event that change everything, the bombing of the twin towers in September 11, 2001. Thousands of innocent lives were lost because we lack the security we have now. In order to prevent this from happening again our government developed polices in order to counter act and mitigate the threats of ongoing terrorism. Department of Homeland security is formed as a separate agency of the government to secure our nation from the acts of terrorism. The agencies sole purpose is to keep us safe and to prevent the attacks of the terrorism. In the development of the policies and counter terrorism tactics the government face different issues? In this essay we are going to look at how these issues affected...

Words: 2365 - Pages: 10

Free Essay

Technology

...Professor Name Title Date Due The Technology Essay Introduction Technology entails applying the scientific knowledge practically especially in industries. Technology is an item made by man to help with accomplishing some objectives. A technology is a collection of human information that can be gone along starting with one spot then onto the next and starting with one era then onto the next. Technology is an effective compel in our world today. It helps us to create more food than sometime recently, developing building and houses are speedier by cutting edge instruments, successful in communication with better flag and more extensive secured ranges, go to any place in the world. A human will have a great world if innovations do not habitually have adverse reactions. In any case, technology has affected positively to our societies and the risks are worth taking. This paper will give a thorough argument in support of the fact that technology is beneficial and worth taking any risk for it. Technology is Beneficial Technology brings people numerous approaches that ease communication between one another. Communication should be possible through area line telephone, mobile phone, instant messages, email and visit on PCs. Communication technology (rapid web) additionally contributes to medicinal services, working at home, trade, diversion, group, exploration, and instruction. . Mass communication medium is the procedure of conveying and imparting to loads of individuals utilizing...

Words: 1541 - Pages: 7