English 101/102 Student Example Jim Roth The
Pitfalls of Technology Modern
technology is a luxury people all over the world come across daily. Then
again, is it really a luxury? From computers to cell phones, technology is
everywhere around us and so is the chaos that comes along with it. In her
article “Technology’s Dark Side,” author Catelyn Hughes warns us that “the
disorientation that technology can bring can be insidious and pervasive” (412). Added to this, the time and money spent on
computers, cell phones and cars will likely grow every year, amplifying our
frustration. It’s becoming more and more critical that we would do well to awaken
to technology’s hidden effects and realize that even though technology
promises great conveniences, the inconveniences can often outweigh the
advantages. While
computers are beneficial, they have many drawbacks. The unreliability of
computers causes many problems for teachers, students and businesses. For
example, my mathematics class requires a program to be downloaded onto my
computer to participate in the online class. After multiple tries, tests and
failures trying to download the program onto my computer, I have resorted to
commuting to the college daily to complete my work on computers already
equipped with the software. Castillo writes that “computer crashes are very
common and erase vast amounts of important information that can sometimes
never be recovered.” Most importantly, computers and the internet can be a
great danger to users, especially children. Predators and identity thieves
are prowling the internet looking for innocent children and gullible
consumers. Computers may make our lives easier, but at times they are more
trouble than they are worth. Cell
phones are useful in case of an emergency, but are they worth the hidden
charges, unreliable service and annoyance in public places? According to Hughes,
“phone companies present great deals that sound too good to be true and they
usually are; as you will find out when you receive your first bill” (413).
Castillo agrees, reminding us that “roaming, overage and equipment charges
are just a few surprises that you will continue to receive throughout your
cell phone usage.” Unreliable service is a huge inconvenience when you need
to use your phone. Important calls are missed, and families aren’t able to connect when needed. Additionally, the
persistent rings of cell phones are an annoyance and disturbance in public
settings. Many businesses and public facilities display signs asking for cell
phones to be turned off. Cell phones can cause more frustration and
confusion than convenience. Cars
are a troublesome technological necessity for almost everyone. They have
great benefits but cause considerable stress as well. The cost of cars and
their maintenance rises constantly. Cars encounter many technical problems
that require a mechanic. The complications of engines with computers and
technically difficult repairs confuse car owners and “often cause them to pay
more money than needed” (Castillo). Gas prices are a huge burden and
fluctuate daily, not to mention the horrible gas mileage huge SUV cars have. In
addition, the act of buying a car “is an extremely stressful and puzzling
experience for buyers with no knowledge of cars (Hughes 413). Car dealers
tend to take advantage of the uninformed and sometimes desperate buyers. Cars
require a great amount of time, money and knowledge to maintain and own. Every
year new gadgets are presented to the public and are perceived as essential.
Millions of dollars and hours of time are spent buying, using and maintaining
these computers, cell phones, cars and the variations of them. Modern
technology is in every store, home and office. Hughes warns us that “the
inconveniences and headaches caused by technology are growing and are causing
us as a society to become more and more detached from each other” (414). They
assault the environment with noise, carbon monoxide fumes, and allow sexual
predators and thieves into our living rooms. Advertisers would like us to buy
into the assumption that if we do not have the most expensive and latest
model of computer, cell phone or car we will not be successful. Perhaps
just the opposite is true. Works
Cited Castillo, Don. "Technology Monsters." Opposing
Viewpoints Resource Center. Virtual Press Associates, 03 May 2018,
<http://galenet.galegroup.com/servlet/OVRC>. Hughes, Catelyn. “Technology’s Dark
Side.” What Matters in America. Ed. Gary Goshgarian, 3rd ed. Boston:
Pearson, 2012. (pp. 412-416). |