We live in the age of technology, where it is almost impossible to imagine life without our laptops, smartphones, and complete access to the Internet at all times. These elements that were once luxuries have now become necessities, which has opened new doors and enhanced chances for growth and opportunity in all areas of life. What seems to be a blessing can also be a curse. With unlimited access to the Internet for anyone, I feel that the boundary lines become blurred, and people tend to forget the dangers of this complete and utter freedom on the Web while also crippling personal social contact.
Personally three technologies that have greatly impacted my life for both the better and worse are my laptop, smartphone, and unlimited access to the Internet.
When I received my first laptop I was excited to have my own personal computer. I was even excited to write papers for school on it, save pictures, play games, and take advantage of all it had to offer! So my excitement of the ownership of this new laptop made it fun and exciting at first to write papers for classes and have everything at my fingertips. Later I began to stray away and become frustrated with all of the technical problems that I was not able to fix. The computer became sluggish and made me want to avoid using it at all costs. Which is one of the main reason I am not 100% for technology, it eventually fails, sometimes when you need it the most.
At first I was extremely hesitant to trade in my older phone for a smartphone, but once I switched I felt like there was no turning back. The convenience of having such a phone that can help me multitask, organize, and accomplish almost any task with ease, made assignments for school, work, and pleasure more manageable. Having my smartphone on hand helps me to receive and retain correct information as long as you know reliable sources. I also enjoy taking photos on my phone to please my artistic side. On the negative side I have realized a dependency to my smartphone as I have also noticed other peers with the same problem. For example when my phone is about to die it feels as if I have become completely detached from all communication and anxiety sets in. I have also lost my phone before and it was actually somewhat of a relief. Once I was without the phone for several days, I actually felt slightly more relaxed and unobligated to have to answer or contact anyone.
The Internet I feel is the most influential advancement that has changed not only the way I learn but a majority of the population since it has been so ingrained into our daily lives. The two technologies I have listed above would not be nearly as useful with out the creation of the Internet. Without it we would not have any social network sites, which I regularly use for school, branching out with art, finding new interests, and keeping in touch with friends. The Internet gives me unlimited access to any information I may need and with ease. This makes research, networking, and maintaining a social life all manageable. But on the other hand like I stated before slightly overwhelming at times. Also there are many dangers online, with giving out information and what one puts out there for the world to see and obtain. It also decreases personal contact and social skills. While also creating the need to obtain everything faster and easier and creates qualities such as impatient and lazy.
I compared the way in which I use these three influential technologies and the way the young people in the video use them, and discovered several similarities and differences. Some of the similarities were social networking, finding interests, and finding information. Some differences though were that many of these students made it seem as if they would be lost without some of these technologies but also inspires them and helped them to learn languages, create art, and make websites. These younger people have grown up with this technology though and I feel it is a staple in their education that can be used for the good as long as it is used for the correct reason.
The laptop is definitely the most influential technology because it provides us with limitless information. As a 90s baby I have seen technology progress over the years. We need to integrate more technology in the classrooms because it will assist in the learning process.
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