Technology: Blessing or Curse

Technology has filled our time, energy and homes while emptying our pockets at the same time. Many have several similar products but need to get the next new gadget that does everything you can think of. How effective is technology? Is its expansion in the world really to our benefit? Technology has been created and extended so far where I wonder is it really a blessing, or a curse?
Technology has taken over in many areas, especially the workplace and home. It has become a necessity to have technology throughout work areas, but total takeover has the potential to create a working environment of little or no actual people as employees. Today, we see technology involved in most jobs, considering that most companies have computers. Grocery stores have “enhanced” their stores with self serve machines where the customers do all the work, scanning and bagging their own groceries. I work at a bank. A couple months ago we added quick service terminals to our banking centers, allowing customers to swipe their debit cards so their information automatically comes on the teller’s screen. It’s very convenient, resulting in less work and mistakes made on my end of the transaction. An article in ABA Journal authored by Barbara Rose relates a lawyer’s new way of getting clients, thanks to technology. It states:
New Hampshire lawyer John Deachman was enjoying an egg hunt with his family on Easter morning when his BlackBerry pinged to tell him he had a new client.
The client had registered at his online legal services site, New Hampshire Virtual Law Firm, to purchase an LLC agreement. The document was assembled automatically from the client's responses to an online questionnaire. Back in his office on Monday, Deachman reviewed it, corrected minor errors and notified the client it was ready.
"That was the best $150 I made," he recalls. "I can't tell you how exciting it is when a message comes in on your BlackBerry telling you you've just made money."
Technology has become a big deal inside the home as well. Cell phones, laptops/desktops, and iPods are just a few technological devices added to the average family today. Computers and cell phones allow people to connect at any hour, minute, and second of the day. Social networks allow us to reach others we thought we may never talk to again. IPods and other MP3 players make it convenient to carry thousands of songs in our back pocket, in contrast to cumbersome CD cases holding a maximum of about 50 CDs. There is no need to scream up or down flights of stairs to find family members. A phone call to the cell phone attached to their hip or glued to the palm of their hand will do the trick and if not in the mood for talking, shoot them a text. Technology just makes everything so easily accessible, everything is right at your fingertips.
It is amazing how technology has become so advanced, we are so pampered. However, I still think it is almost too good to be true. For me, the bank teller, there are many customers that love our newest upgrade, the QST, but there are several more who share concern of this new gadget could be the start of replacing humans. I can’t help but consider the job situation for many, especially residing in Michigan. The transition, in the workplace, from man to robot has become astronomical. Machines offer customers a different type of service than humans. When they are working, machines offer quicker and sometimes more efficient service, yet I feel that contact with other individuals is more satisfying. I recall a customer at the bank I work at telling me that he didn’t like the idea of the bank adding technology at the teller line because, with everything automated, it was less delightful since machines couldn’t give him a smile at the end of his transaction, like I did. Now whether he was trying to be flirtatious or not, he made a good point. Machines, well technology, sometimes make a person less affectionate, causing them to become somewhat of a robot, emotionlessly getting in and out.
Filled positions that many physical individuals once occupied, but now are depleted, due to upgraded technology just makes me wonder if this “upgrade” is for our best interest. I considered another article, this time from The Futurist. It discusses the current job situation stating, “The current recession, expected to be the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, will surely put to rest those old concerns about looming labor shortages, right? Probably not. In fact, immigration, globalization, outsourcing, and other trends affecting employment and the workplace will evolve over the next five, 10, and 20 years to change the workplace completely, and well-trained and flexible workers will be at a premium.” After further examination of the article, it mentions “manufacturing jobs in the United States continue to vanish.” The auto industry, which has reduced its dependence on humans dramatically, increases the need for robotic technology to manufacture vehicles. Everyone knows someone who has been affected by job loss in the auto industry. Lastly, the article proceeds expressing what will be needed in the job force. “The industry will need more computer scientists and database technicians to streamline operations and create new systems… it will become much more reliant on information technology. The industry will need to reach and train qualified workers wherever they may be through e-learning technologies.” Granted, there will be individuals employed to service the different technological devices throughout the workplace, but I believe the number will be smaller than if technology was minimal. Another problem is that this does not even mention the individuals who have no technological experience and expertise, such as older ones who tend to be less dependent on technology.
When it comes to home technology, sometimes things backfire. Such advanced technology causes many individuals to become less emotional, lacking social skills. Major contact with others through computer and cell phone screens can hinder some from taking action with people in person. This is especially true when people find themselves less interactive, there is no physical social interaction occurring when a person is cooped up in their room or car while their iPods talk at them. Full reliance on technology can have negative effects on a situation when they fail. A person’s whole day can be off track. For instance, a friend of mine was stranded, finding it difficult to remember numbers to call for help because her phone battery had died. It was too late to memorize important phone numbers in her current situation. The author from an article in Everyman states “I look at the role that technology is playing in our lives -- freeways, apartment buildings, TV, video games, cellular phones, computers -- and I am unsure how helpful it is overall. Where families, communities and neighbourhoods used to provide a few close, intimate relationships, we now have many superficial connections through telephone, FAX and voice mail. Where we were physically close to the human and environmental effects of our actions, now we are technically isolated by… we have found ways of relating that give us just the illusion of togetherness.” The main concern seems to be that of isolations. “Because they do not arise from authentic relating skills such as the ability to be intimate and vulnerable, they are not available to us all the time; they require the drag of technology. And so, like the alcoholic or the drug addict we seek the next fix, the next product or technological advance to reduce our growing sense of isolation.” These effects can cause much harm on humans if technology is not used in moderation.
Technology definitely has its benefits. It allows humans to be less dependent on the individual and more dependent on the technology. Technology has shown much use in the workplace and home; however, it may be the cause for loss. There is much job loss and also a loss of social skills along between people because with technology comes isolation. Technology’s effects must be weighed and moderated before it gears from being a blessing to a curse.

Works Cited

Challenger, John A., and Rick Docksai. "Finding a Job in the 21st Century." The Futurist 43.5 (2009): 29-34. Print.
Ottawa. "Toward Meaningful Work." Everyman 2.5 (1994): 4. Print.
Rose, Barbara. "Online Office-Makers." ABA Journal 95.11 (2009): 23-25. Print.