New Technology: A Threat or a Promise?

A Threat

Technology is a threat because of the harm it inflicts on the environment. Technology has led to an increase in industrial production, which causes harmful gases and chemicals to be released into the environment. When such gases are released, they make the ozone layer thinner; allowing harmful sun rays to come through, causing a rise in the Earth’s temperature. This in turn causes the polar icecaps to melt, changing the world’s water levels; damaging homes and endangering the lives of both people and animals.

Technology can also affect health. For example, some machines may emit harmful radiation. Harmful chemicals and gases may be emitted as well in the course of production work; for example, in the assembly of certain machines and other industrial products.

Moreover, technology such as the Internet can be harmful. It can be used by unscrupulous people to prey on young children, as well as used to cheat people of their money through online scams. It can propagate dangerous ideas as well as infringe on one’s privacy.

A Promise

Technology is a promise because it helps us conserve the environment. It recycles and purifies previously undrinkable water for drinking. Technology allows solar power to be harnessed for vehicles, thereby reducing the use of fossil fuels which causes air pollution. Technology like the Internet allows online examinations and online submission of office work – this reduces paper usage and is cost-efficient.

Technology is also a promise because it helps medical causes. Advancement in technology helps find cures for diseases, as well as make positive changes to medical procedures. For example, people are now able to have certain surgeries without going under the knife.

In addition, technology is a promise because it improves standards of living. It allows the handicapped or elderly to move about more easily on public transport. It also creates single products that can fulfil many functions/be used for different purposes. In this way, we do not have to buy so many individual products to fulfil specific functions. Furthermore, technology creates products that are handy and compact; saving us space.