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More and more, we depend on technology for almost everything throughout our daily lives. Sometimes, those of us who are over 40 don’t realize that it has changed us—personally and as a society—forever. From the Industrial Revolution to the current Information Age, there’s no denying how much things are different all around us. There are countless articles and studies done on this subject. Here, I will dive into seven ways that I have seen technology change us forever.
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1. Addiction
There is no doubt that technology has become an addiction in the lives of many. I understand that all of us may live and go about things differently but from the time we wake up till its bedtime, our consumption of it overwhelms what we do whether we like it are not. How many times did you pick up your mobile device today for whatever reason? Did you get your work done without using your PC? Some of you may have but I hope that my point is well taken.
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2. Dependency
We have become exclusively dependent on technology to the point of almost no return. I’m not talking about only the Information Age…just go back to the technologically advances from the Industrial Revolution to see how the dependency has evolved. Many of us have been conditioned over long periods of time to how our everyday lives should be and what’s included in them as well.
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3. Products and Services
Business products and services are becoming more and more dependent on technology too. According to Wikipedia,in the United States, from January 1972 to August 2010, the number of people employed in manufacturing jobs fell from 17,500,000 to 11,500,000 while manufacturing value rose 270%.
This is just the tip of the iceberg because it’s unheard of for a business to not go where their potential customers are and today online is where many of them reside. The products that we purchase are also manufactured with machinery that’s programmed by a computer and run in conjunction with other systems. The services that are provided in many industries are computer based and consumers rely on that because of the comfort and speed of getting information.
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4. Interaction
Our mobile devices allow us to talk to anyone at any time all over the world. Many conversations happen because of applications that our devices can quickly download. Fortunately, human conversations still happen in person but I’m sure since the inception of mobile phones they have likely decreased. Many people prefer to interact using their mobile devices whether it’s through text messaging or one of the many social media platforms. We all have choices but technology has changed how many interact with each other on a daily basis.
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5. Consumption
The way we consume content has definitely changed with the use of technology. There was a time when reading the newspaper after work was the thing to do especially in the U.S. Now we have options such as satellite TV, internet, live streaming, social media, etc. We get information so fast and so conveniently that it has become the norm.
We can now read digital books instead of going to the library and physically doing so. Libraries are now offering digital content for their members to stay engaged now. Though I still go to the library, I rarely read anything the “old” way while visiting. I’ve gotten so use to consuming information on my mobile device because of the sheer ease of using different digital platforms.
6. Data
Data is stored so differently now and I don’t see it changing anytime soon. The method of “cloud computing” allows us to use remote servers that are hosted on the internet to store data instead of our personal computers, etc. Online data storage is big business because it removes the physical part out and adds speed and convenience. Removable subscriber identity modules or SIM cards still exist with some mobile phones but cloud storage has spoiled some of us forever. We can now have things such as our pictures and videos uploaded in the “cloud” with 100% proficiency.
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7. Education
Schools are the beneficiaries of the effects of science combined with engineering and the evidence shows in the classroom. Many schools have personal computers where much of the curriculum is created and/or implemented using web applications. Students are learning and completing tasks at a faster rate than ever because of these constant technological advances. Instructors can now keep up with the course study better along the students. The environment is likely more conducive to learning within the educational system.
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Will Technology Continue To Dominate Us?
There are many technological advances that could very easily affect change in us for forever. Technology will continue to change and we will somehow find a way to adapt along the way. Whether you agree or disagree, I would love for you to add to the discussion in the comments below at your leisure. I always welcome different perspectives.
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A version of this article was previously published on the author’s website and is republished here with his permission.
Photo credit: Pixabay
Great article! One of my many concerns is the deterioration of interaction when it comes to education. While it can be convenient for working professionals, the lack of in-person conversations, debate, etc. is very problematic. We’re definitely headed in a direction making the unsociably acceptable but of all things, but this is one we should work to keep face-to-face.
Great article
Thanks John!
Andre. I like it. You hit the nail on the head. We are so consumed with technology. Right now I’m on my mobile phone. Part of my nightly ritual. I admit. I’m a little conditioned. But. Hey. Sue me!
LOL….I’m guilty of it too Saliek…Thanks for chiming in!
Great article. I have been in study about this general subject. We are processing through the ” age of separation”. I remind people everyday that as technology can be cool, convienent , and efficient , it also pulls us to a direction to separate human interaction and communication. This marginalization of contact and language may allow us to believe that we are fitting in the task that usually seems impossible to keep up with this world of acceleration, it only de-humanizes and minimize our effectiveness of human communication. I am very pro-technology and see it as “for the good of… Read more »
I cannot disagree with anything that you said. Definitely a deeper translation of what was written as well. Great stuff and thanks for adding to the discussion Tony!