Albert Einstien: Predicting The Digital Age Of Technology

Elaine Marais
Discursive Essay

Long before the invention of the mobile phone Albert Einstien was said to predict the age of technology, “I fear the day that technology will surpass our human interaction. The world will have a generation of idiots”. However some historians deny he ever claimed to predict the coming age of technology. Nevertheless, one is able to see this prophesy is slowly but surely coming true as we are increasingly becoming dependent on technology.
One is able to clearly notice that all around us are people unable to separate their eyes from their smartphone as if glued to the screen with curiosity concerning anything other than what is immediately surrounding them. Weather it is eating out, shopping or simply sitting in
The effect of this addiction is dehumanising, “We’re engaging face-to-face much less”, says the author of Mind Change and respected scientist Baroness Susan Greenfield. Her book explains in detail exactly how the current digital age is changing the manner in which we think as well as act. “If we don’t speak to each other, it’s harder to establish empathy.” This shows how the overuse of technology can impact our human characteristics by having the opportunity to use our brains less. Facts, locations and opinions are just one click away resulting in decreased brain activity proven by a number of scientist’s who performed an experiment involving mice navigating their way through a maze. Scientist’s noticed decreased brain activity when computer simulation navigation was
Learners are able to experience a wide variety of cultures and traditions through incredible advances in technology that were once only available to those able to travel overseas. As well as in recent advances in technology have given us the opportunity to create new and innovative solutions in utilizing the Earth’s non-renewable resources, from energy efficient light bulbs to vehicles that rely solely on sunlight energy all contribute to the conservation of the Earth. These arguments are consistently valid, however the overuse of technology has led to the dehumanization of individuals which cannot be overlooked.
Acknowledgement is granted to the positive uses concerning technology, however these advances in technology have hampered the way in which we as humans behave and think as well as providing a blindfold, shielding one’s eyes with the urge to tweet about another miserable Monday morning instead of gazing out the window at the simple beauty of the harmonising morning birds. If we are able to harness the ability to look beyond our electronic leach, we will be able to capture the power of our immediate surroundings and embrace technology’s good