Unit 0

It is undeniable that technology has greatly influenced how we go about our daily lives. Technology has changed various aspects of living such as, how we communicate, socialize, and simply interact with one another. However, despite the numerous technological advancements and innovations, the biggest impact technology has had on my life is the instant access to information technology like smart phones and computers provide.

With computers, the answer to any question is really just a Google search away. The nearly instant access to information using Google has redefined how we obtain information and learn new things. Tech like smartphones give us access to a cache of knowledge that not too long ago was only present in physical entities like books. This, however, has brought about many advantages and disadvantages. For instance, I have observed that having access to the answer to any homework question or worksheet is almost dangerous in terms of my education. The temptation of having instant answers at my fingertips has definitely dampened my perseverance and patience for difficult questions or simply homework in school. For example, often times I would find myself reaching for my laptop and reading SparkNotes of a book for English class instead of actually reading and deciphering the actual text. However, this can also be quite helpful. Websites like SparkNotes, when used alongside the actual text, can help enhance my understanding of the text and obtain a greater understanding of the text as a whole. GPS and Google Maps is another good example of how beneficial it can be to have access to important information in the tap of a button. Recently, I began an internship at a company in downtown Milwaukee, which is an area I am not familiar with at all, and I use Google Maps to help me navigate my way there which is a task that would be quite difficult if all I had was a paper map. Technology’s purpose is to make our lives easier, however it is difficult to recognize when easier turns into lazier. However, there are times when easier can simply mean better.