Technology's Effect on Society
Jake Bruno
11/9/12
Writing 107
Term Paper: Technology’s Effect on Society
Many people today love the amount of advanced technology available that continues to evolve at a faster and faster rate with each passing day. Things that did not seem possible a few years ago are a reality today, which shows us that even our wildest dreams could become reality. We have access to cell phones that are more like computers, the internet and all of its outlets, electronic books… if you can think of something technological that would make life easier, chances are it has already been dreamt up. With all of these technological advancements, one may think of it as primarily good for our country. However, although the technology makes certain aspects of our lives easier, its effect on our society as a whole is primarily negative due to its lighting fast evolution. One of the most popular inventions available in today’s market is the smartphone. I am the youngest of four children; I remember when my older sisters and brother were given cell phones for the first time while they were in high school. The phones that they got were cheap, clunky, and could only be used to store contacts and make calls. Years later, when I reached fifth grade, nearly every one of my friends had been given cell phones. I remember specifically begging my parents for one as well, so I could be a part of this new trend. My parents argued with me that an 11 year old did not need a cell phone, but eventually my efforts paid off, and I was given a cheap phone to be used for “emergency calls only”. I remember how joyous I was, with my cheap phone and its limited capabilities. Over the next few years, the cell phones began to become more and more advanced. Whether it was better cameras, cooler designs, or limited Internet access, many kids I went to school with continued to bully their parents into buying them the latest phones in order to keep their social status high. My parents, however, would not
11/9/12
Writing 107
Term Paper: Technology’s Effect on Society
Many people today love the amount of advanced technology available that continues to evolve at a faster and faster rate with each passing day. Things that did not seem possible a few years ago are a reality today, which shows us that even our wildest dreams could become reality. We have access to cell phones that are more like computers, the internet and all of its outlets, electronic books… if you can think of something technological that would make life easier, chances are it has already been dreamt up. With all of these technological advancements, one may think of it as primarily good for our country. However, although the technology makes certain aspects of our lives easier, its effect on our society as a whole is primarily negative due to its lighting fast evolution. One of the most popular inventions available in today’s market is the smartphone. I am the youngest of four children; I remember when my older sisters and brother were given cell phones for the first time while they were in high school. The phones that they got were cheap, clunky, and could only be used to store contacts and make calls. Years later, when I reached fifth grade, nearly every one of my friends had been given cell phones. I remember specifically begging my parents for one as well, so I could be a part of this new trend. My parents argued with me that an 11 year old did not need a cell phone, but eventually my efforts paid off, and I was given a cheap phone to be used for “emergency calls only”. I remember how joyous I was, with my cheap phone and its limited capabilities. Over the next few years, the cell phones began to become more and more advanced. Whether it was better cameras, cooler designs, or limited Internet access, many kids I went to school with continued to bully their parents into buying them the latest phones in order to keep their social status high. My parents, however, would not