Opinions are divided on whether technology has complicated human life, and whether the solution is pursuing a simpler life without technology. While I acknowledge the drawbacks of these issues, disposing of technology in pursuit of a simpler life is an unjustifiable measure with many impractical flaws.
Proponents of getting rid of technology point to severe problems caused by the tech-heavy lifestyles. Chief among these is that technological advancements, such as the internet and social media, have paved the way for the uncontrolled spread of inappropriate information. As sharing has become easier these days, fake news, anti-government propaganda, and provocative information can be globally accessed through posts on the internet regardless of distance and age. The influx of labyrinthine networks of misinformation may lead to information overload, scamming, social trust deficit and even instigate public outcry. Furthermore, several innovations in modern machinery have given rise to a surge in the unemployment rate due to several layoffs in labor-intensive occupations, especially repetitive work done by humans for many years. These developments stem from the fact that not only do manufacturing processes significantly boost productivity and efficiency , but they are also far cheaper than human labor. Such developments compel individuals to pursue higher education in order to secure professional jobs, thus intensifying the competitiveness and complexity of more career paths.
On the other hand, the argument for a technology-free life overlooks the indispensable benefits that modern innovations bring to human well-being and societal progress. Alleviating the aforementioned issues, in fact, can also be achieved through technological advances themselves. For instance, instant communications have become more convenient, thereby making the government’s official information more accessible and fostering a deeper mutual understanding among the populace. Moreover, due to cost-effective processes, quality products and services have evolved to affordable options, improving the standard of living, reducing living expenses, hence narrowing the wealth gap. Several radical changes in biological science and healthcare systems, in fact, are also brought about by these modern breakthroughs. By way of illustration, on an individual level, not only do technological inventions such as generative AI in clinical workflows, 3D bioprinting, telemedicine and smart implants yield a myriad of benefits, including enhanced diagnostic precision, personalized patient care, and greater accessibility to medical services but they also enhance society’s life expectancy.
In conclusion, while I acknowledge the drawbacks associated with a tech-heavy lifestyle, I firmly believe that a cessation of technology is a fallacy, as technological innovations offer several improvements in almost all aspects of humanity.