A couple of weeks ago, I dropped my smartphone. I didn’t have any kind of protective case on it, so naturally the screen shattered, instantly transforming it into a useless piece of junk. Luckily my friend let me borrow a very old flip-phone to use while I shopped around for a new smartphone. Going back to using a “dumbphone” now meant that I actually had to look up directions before a trip because I didn’t have my trusty GPS. I couldn’t spontaneously look something up online, or stream music and videos whenever I wanted. Oh, the humanity. What’s the lesson here? Do not take your smartphone for granted because it can be a valuable asset in your life. Also: Use protection.
I know that not being able to use the features of a smartphone is definitely a “first world problem,” but I’ve really come to appreciate how convenient those phones are. However, I’ve spoken with others who seem to intentionally stay away from modern technology and claim technology only complicates everyone’s lives. I don’t agree with this. Expanding our technologies has been a function of humanity since the beginning of man and has always been a worthwhile goal.
For example, the cavemen came up with new tools to help them hunt, cook and navigate better. This shows us that it’s a part of our nature to want to create and progress. Still, some folks find ways to complain and be skeptical about it all. Even during the Industrial Revolution, some were unhappy with the major changes such progress provided, even though it created new solutions for local and global trade, transportation, manufacturing and new building materials. The Industrial Revolution brought wonderful results, and I think it will be the same for us if we take advantage of the current “technological revolution” happening in our day. If we live in a time where we have the advanced resources and genius minds to produce ground-breaking technology, we should use it and enjoy what it can add to our lives.
Even though I disagree with those that see technology as a burden, I can understand that dealing with new technologies can be hard because it means change. Change is at the heart of all technology. It’s about leaving old ways behind and reaching forward to new things. The fear of change is what causes us to reject new ideas, and it stunts progression. As Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Today, our very survival depends on our ability to stay awake, to adjust to new ideas, to remain vigilant and to face the challenge of change.” New technologies are what help us grow as a nation and help us be the creative and efficient people we are meant to be.