The Draft

Effects of Technology

Introduction

                Technology is an important part of our daily lives.  From the moment we wake up till we close our eyes, we use technology to fulfil our needs and wants. We use mobile phones to call someone and also as an alarm to wake us up from sleep.  Technology is so necessary that it has become a benchmark between of countries in terms of technological enhancement.  For example, the Japanese they have created a program called as the Strategic Basic Research Programs which aim to stimulate future innovation in science and technology, and create new technologies to meet social and industrial needs (Japan Science and Technology Agency, 2011).  Although technology brought us achievements and advancements, do you know they also have negative effects pinned on them?  There are some negative effects of technology that can be seen through health, social life, and the increase of crime rate.

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                The first negative effect of technology is that is not good for our health.  Modern technology is a contributing factor to many types of diseases. Electronic devices especially mobile phones emit certain radiations that are harmful to humans.  Research has been done to identify the possible roles of mobile phones and find other sources of radiofrequency exposure and their connection to cancer risks in human and animals (National Cancer Institute, 2011).  According to Microsoft Tag (2011),over 70 per cent of the world’s population now has mobile phones and 85 per cent of kids owning mobile phones. The increasing  percentage of mobile users is actually shows how difficult it is to prevent humans from diseases.  Advancement in technology also brings the film industry the ability to produce “something new” for their movie-goers.  Lately, film producers produce 3D movies to show more effects.  To enjoy 3D movies, people need to use 3D glasses. But the usage of 3D glasses poses a threat.  3D glasses emit several light rays that can actually affect the eyes.  The eyes could be harmed by watching too much 3D materials as it will cause the eyes to converge when looking at a nearby object and diverge when looking in a distance (Kenny &Keiler, 2010). 

                Besides that, people who spend a lot of time using technology like the Internet, television and video games can increase the likelihood of diseases as a result of not getting enough physical exercise. Being too occupied with social networks or games  will take them away from exercising. As a result, health gets affected due to lack of physical exercise. Besides that, people can suffer from illnesses such as lack of sleep, migraine, and stress. Spending too much time using technology can increase in number of obesity especially among children.  According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (2004), the number of obese children has tripled since 1980.  The major cause of the rising numbers is due to electronic usage.  Lack of physical activities an important factor in the increase of obesity among children.  Studies have shown that children who spend a lot of time watching television and playing video games are at a higher risk of being obese.  The study found that one in three high school youths do not engage in vigorous physical activities. In fact, less than 30 per cent attends daily gym classes (Boyse, 2008). 

                Other than that, technology advancements, though they improve the country’s production through the factories sector,theycan also lead to environmental pollutions that are hazardous to humans. This is caused by the chemical wastes that are flowed out to the river and unfiltered gasses released by factories. The Environmental Pollution Counters (2009) states that those who use contaminated water are prone to dangerous diseases such as diarrhoea and respiratory infections.  Harmful gasses that are released to the atmosphere can also lead to diseases in children such as asthma, eye irritations, and skin problems.

                Secondly, technology can also affect the social lives of people.  Technology changes the way people communicate with one another. People prefer communicating through social networks instead of face-to-face interactions and as a result, personal bonds can no longer exist as people prefer virtual communication.  Making our meaning clear electronically presents extra challenges.  For example, Lickerman (2010) explained Internet acronyms or slangs such as “LOL” and “LMOA” describe laughter, but these are no real substitutes to people’s laughter.  Laughter has real power in lifting our spirits when we are feeling low.  In addition, people can feel isolated because they only have “online” friends.Lickerman (2010), explained we that people may feel that they are communicating effectively with others via the Internet, but too much electronic-relating paradoxically engenders a sense of social isolation.

                Technology also causes poor communication skills among people.  Teenagers are able to express themselves virtually but are unable to do so verbally.  Through technology, people tend to say things without thinking.  This is because the Internet convinces people especially youths to follow the Western philosophy of absolute freedom.  It is therefore a paradise for individual achievements where private life is without obstacles and external interference.  Moreover, without guidance, youths are easily exposed to negative influences by what they see and hear on the television, Internet and radio.  It is because the Internet corrupts people’s minds, influences, and changes people’s moral perspectives and ethical values easily (Ru, 1998).

                Lastly, technologies can also lead to various crimes.  Cyber crimes that violate people’s privacy like hacking are on the rise.  Many websites have been hacked by irresponsible people and caused many important information and data to be lost. According to Lulz Security (2011), the cyber attack on Citibank seized 2000,000 credit card account numbers, customer names and email addresses.  Besides that, people’s private information can be obtained easily with technology.  According to Bethesda (2011), hackers can gain access to user’s names, email addresses and passwords.

                Technology has also enable people to easily share and obtain illegal copies of movies and songs.  There are a lot of websites that offer free downloads.  Hence this will affect the film and music industry.  Rema Ling (2009) explained people are using the Internet to download or upload music files for free via the Internet.  The music and film industry suffer losses yearly due to declining sales.  EMI Records was forced to shut down in March 2009 and Universal Music had to relocate parts of its operation to India. Modern technology also easily spreads rumours easily.  Rumours can provoke people and this can disturb the country’s peace and harmony.

                In conclusion,