A teenager contracts malaria. An army officer discovers the enemy plans to attack the troops he just sent away. A murderer enters a house undetected, but the residents are upstairs with no way of escaping. These life threatening situations would all end tragically without much of the technology we take for granted.

Thankfully, because of our technological advancements, the teenager can be taken to the hospital and cared for within an hour. The officer can contact his troops before the enemy attacks and the residents of the house can make a quick phone call to 911 from their cell phone. Because of this, I consider technology a life saver.

MISSPLACED BLAME

Some people believe technology takes over our lives or makes us lazy. But the question really boils down to each individual. Obsessing over technology can pose a problem. However, the person who has the obsession should not blame technology but instead should blame themselves. You should have the ability to put down your phone when someone talks to you. Perhaps limiting your use of your phone would benefit you. Do not blame your phone for the inability to relate to another, blame yourself.

People also argue against technology by stating that it limits interaction. On the contrary, it encourages it. Without my cell phone, I could not contact my best friends who live in New Zealand and Tennessee. Without the ability to use technology, our relationships would suffer.

My phone gives me the ability to share news with everyone I know. It updates my status on Facebook and sends out mass text messages to keep me connected with the people in my life. But others say, more specifically, technology limits the interaction we have with people face to face. But how does it do this? If someone walks while looking at their phone, they have chosen to not look up. Once again, that user chooses to limit the interaction, their phone had no say it the matter. In this way, someone could just as easily ignore human interaction by reading a book.

CHANGING THE WORLD FOR THE BETTER

Technology has benefitted people, even saved lives. New glucose monitoring technologies allow those who suffer from diabetes to reduce the risk of complications, such as blindness, by allowing them to better monitor their condition. This in turn, prolongs their lives and mitigates certain symptoms.

Not only do we have new medical technology, but what better way to save lives than having the ability to call 911 from wherever we happen to be? 96 percent of the USA has enhanced 911, meaning it automatically gives the dispatcher the caller’s location. If someone becomes injured or in a situation where they do not have the ability to talk, a police car can be sent to their location without having to verbally communicate with the dispatcher.

By having technology in this world, we gain the ability to become an even more globally connected planet. Countries can converse and compare their different strategies to solve problems. Businesses grow, allowing consumers from all over the world to purchase their products. Technology bridges people by creating several different ways to communicate. It encourages learning and interaction. Technology, overall, has changed the world for the better.