Technology is good for the individual?

[Guest Ngod]

I need some points that oppose the statement:

Technology is detrimental to the individual.

Explain points that you give if you can.

[by.andrew]

Technology in what sense? Staring at a tv/computer/smart phone screen for extended periods of time can be detrimental to one's sight. You can also get carpal tunnel syndrome if you are often on the computer.

If you are talking about technological advancement, consider the ethical implications when we are cloning animals or genetically modifying plants.

Edited March 20, 2014 by by.andrew

[citizenoftheuniverse]

by.Andrew was clearly agreeing with the statement we were meant to oppose. To oppose that technology is detrimental to the individual one must argue that technology is BENEFICIAL to the individual. Some of examples of this:

*Modern medicine and vaccines are technological advances which have increased human life span exponentially

*The Internet allows the spread of information much easier than before, thus allowing scientific advances to spread faster and world wide events to be reported faster as well.

*Modern appliances such as washing machines have given people more leisure time to replace the time previously spent washing clothes etc. and have freed more women to work outside the home.

*Technology such as cheaper air conditioners caused more people to be willing to move to the sun-belt in the United States, causing demographic shifts and allowing people in the South to live in more comfort.

Here were some examples though technology is such a broad topic you could basically include anything

You're welcome

Edited March 29, 2014 by citizenoftheuniverse

[blckcat412]

One example of how technology can be detrimental is when my school started distributing iPads to all of the seniors to use as "educational tools" two years ago. The iPads were only good for taking notes in class, and uploading textbooks digitally so students wouldn't have to carry them in their backpacks. Some students did not have wifi at home, so they had go to the Hoover Public Library to do their homework. For completing any typed assignments such as powerpoint presentations and essays, students would either have to use a computer in the aforementioned library or use their own computer at home. So functionality wise, the iPads were not the best decision.

The worst part was how the students got distracted on these devices. Instead of taking notes in class, some students started playing games instead. Everyone's grades, including the IB's students, started dropping. That year, IB seniors scored the worst IB grades in the history of my school. Now, my school has started switching out the iPads with chrome books, which is more functional than an iPad, and in my opinion, the better choice technology wise.

[Great Polar Bear]

Illustrate how technological advancement in the past has helped the individual. Some points that you could use are:

• The internet has helped us generate and access information at ease
• The mobile (and internet) has helped us connect with people across the globe.

On a wider scale:

• Businesses are able to hold video conferences, in which they can directly interact with employees who may be sick (or in another city).
• Technological advancements in medicine has resulted in more cures for diseases and increased efficiency in already existing procedures.
• Technological advancements in satellite systems have helped us predict weather and certain natural calamities like storms, extreme weather etc. We can also measure intensity of earthquakes which we could not do so before.
• Railways, airplanes have made travel possible and quicker.

There's a lot more you could add!

Edited March 2, 2015 by Great Polar Bear

[IB_taking_over]

Technology (specifically the internet / web) allows us to connect. 

Take this forum: This whole IB forum allows us gain insight from others. We are able to ask questions and get answers. We can learn from each other.

The internet also allows instantaneous access to loads of useful information. Information that we would not otherwise have access to.