R U Kidding Me?

During the current semester, we have discussed several applications of technology to our increasingly technological world. While I have been in favor, for the most part, of continuing technologiocal research as a way of benefiting the world (i.e., imporved medical care, greater crop production, etc.), I think that we must be wary of the monster that we are creating. I am talking about cell phone and internet use, espectially among teens, including the ever-increasing "text message." I believe that , while these new technologies are making communication acroos great distances easier than ever, we, a society, are becoming more and more distant and alienated from everyday face-to-face social interaction. I believe that this is not only silly and wasteful (my 16-year-old sister texts my mom from her bedroom and asks her to make her breakfast), but that it is not conducive to the necessary social development of our young people.

Technology is great. That's an understatement. Technology has revolutionized the way that we do almost anything today. It has extended life and improved the quality thereof. Technology has made life easier and more efficient. Technology has provided solutions and possibilities to problems amd situations that have existed for thousands of years. Having said that, it is now our responsibility to make sure that technology continues to benefit society, not cripple and weaken it. We must decide today what kind of future we want for the up-and-coming generation. I believe that in order to produce intelligent, personable, critically-thinking adults, we have to start when those are still in their developing years. We have to start now.