TECHNOLOGY IS CREATING NAIVETY

Technology is ever changing and is always evolving, whether it’s the latest cell phone or the newest camera, consumer demand for the best and newest technology is at an all time high. We all must admit that technology is becoming more and more distracting and is changing the way we communicate, gather information and even our complete way of life. Take a moment and think on how the latest technological advances have impacted your life. The list should go on and on. Technology is building bridges between people on opposite sides of the globe, but it is also building even stronger walls between neighbors. Some people are surrounding themselves with modern technology while paying little attention to the needs of others. Others use technology to better understand their fellow man to overcome physical distance, and better their personal knowledge bank.
My fellow colleagues and I have discussed the pros and cons of technology for the last week. Have you ever noticed that call waiting is both intrusive and rude, or what about text messaging causing more automobile accidents than ever before. You may have noticed these things, but are not even bothered by these events. This concludes my next point technology is making society naïve about many issues in today’s world.
As my college professor explained that it has been years since she and her mom have talked without being interrupted by call waiting, I had to examine my own personal conversations. I would have to agree with her it is a rare conversation when call waiting does not break my conversation and demand attention. I could be in the middle of a very serious and emotional phone call and like a thief in the night that awful little beep comes and steers the conversation. Following the beep you will hear, hold on, or my favorite I’m sorry let me call you right back. Right then and there I have never thought of this as a negative issue, but now that the issue has been presented to me I would have to agree with my professor. Technology is making society more acceptable to distractions.
When you hear people complain about getting in automobile accidents for not paying attention, I always think of a woman putting on make up, or looking out the window. In today’s society text messaging or cell phones period are distracting us from safely operating our vehicles. Here are a few facts to help enforce my conclusion. Each year, 21% of fatal car crashes involving teenagers between the ages of 16 and 19 were the result of cell phone usage. This result has been expected to grow as much as 4% every year. Almost 50% of all drivers between the ages of 18 and 24 are texting while driving. Over one-third of all young drivers, ages 24 and under, are texting on the road. Now are your eyes open to a very serious problem?
Technology is a great thing, but we must admit there are just as many cons as there are pros to the demand for technology.