Technology
Technology is commonly termed as a branch of knowledge which deals with not only the creation but also the application of technical means as well as their overall interaction with life, the society inclusive of the environment drawing upon numerous fields and subjects among them engineering, applied science, and industrial arts among others. Moreover, technology also refers to the use of scientific knowledge to develop methods, techniques, devices, processes, as well as materials to solve practical problems, technology can also be embedded in machines which, in turn, allow easy operation without the need for detailed knowledge; with regards to their workings. Generally, technology dates back to ancient times and pre-historic following the invention of simple tools and fire, however, the "term" technology to a great extent rose to prominence during the 20th century following the second industrial revolution.
Today's Evolution of Technology
Today, the dramatic evolution of technology has transformed human life, and as a result technology exists not only as an integral but also indispensable part of individual's lives. However, technology's replacement of human beings in numerous ways has generated controversial or rather contentious philosophical debates not only among policy makers, researchers, technology developers from Silicon Valley, as well as the general public over the application of technology; thus with major disagreements over whether modern-day technology improves or worsens human condition. In relation to this, the paper argues that although human beings have been replaced in a variety of ways by technology these changes to a great extent have been mostly positive.
Positive Impacts of Technology
Social Robots
One of the positive impacts of technology has been the application of social robots in modern day classrooms. Concerning this, the use of robots in class in the modern world is no longer an imaginable vision as a large number of schools in different global nations are using these robot technologies for educational purposes (Cable News Network). Although these robots are not entirely designed to replace teachers, they have been important in alleviating both the time an effort spent by students; thus in learning subjects. This is primarily because these robot technologies have the ability to capture student's attention making it absolutely easy for them to gain a better understanding of class lessons consequently improving their overall performance and ultimately their academic achievement (Cable News Network).
In addition, robots have been found to improve classroom experiences, engagement, while also supporting early class learning. Over the years the use of robot among children with autism has also been beneficial in not only teaching STEM subjects as it keeps them engaged but also enable caregivers to actively engage with these children. Another positive impact of robot technologies is the fact that these technologies have made it not only easier to take care of the elderly but also comfort patients in hospitals; hence, they have revolution both elder care and pediatrics treatment in hospitals (Cable News Network). Although there is widespread fear of robots taking over people's jobs, not all jobs are technologically oriented. Moreover, there are numerous solution that could be put in place to limit the negative implications of automation in the workplaces such as the application universal basic income (UBI) which has been effective in Alaska where people are given an average of a thousand dollars from oil dividends (Wired). Other solutions include retraining and heavy taxation of automated companies.
Automation
Another positive change that has been brought about by technology is the automation. Concerning this, most modern-day industries as well as businesses use artificial intelligence to perform many tasks. Cost savings associated with automation are just some of the benefits associated with technology, in relation to this, in most industries automation has contributed to greater safety as well as less environmental impacts (Alton). Moreover, unlike humans, new technological machines in modern day industries are not only more predictable but also easy to control; hence, reducing problems related to human resources such as employee conflicts which could affect their morale; hence, lower productivity or even lead to high employee turnover rates resulting in additional costs associated with the hiring process (Tufekci). Furthermore, automation has enabled industries to perform tasks faster and promote efficiency consequently, increasing productivity levels especially with regard to hard/tasking and repetitive tasks (Wired).
Medical Advancements
To a great extent through experience, technology has been more beneficial in the medical field. Over the years, technology has been effectively used in not only diagnosing diseases but also developing new cures, in research studies, as well as in developing new medicines. For example, development of vitro fertilization, cancer nanotherapy, development of robot-assisted-surgery, and cloning. The development of telehealth as well as wearable technologies has also aides in promoting health. Apart from robot-assisted surgery, the recent development realistic medical dummies used in military training as well as trauma patient simulator are some of the important advancements that aid military medical training.
National Security Protection
Another positive impact by technology has been the promotion of national security in global countries. Concerning this, technology has enable countries such as the US to develop complex techniques as well as technological devices that protect national borders from illegal activities such as illegal human and drug trafficking as well as from illegal immigrants. Moreover, advanced technology ensures protection at the national waters as well as airports by enabling the development at high tech devices which scan people entering into the country which aids in protecting the nations against terrorism as well as drug trafficking. Artificial intelligence has also enabled law enforcement to monitor illegal and terrorist activities within a country; hence, ensuring security. In addition, development of different military technologies such as drones, automatic weapons, and navigational equipment has helped promote national security.
However, despite the positive impacts there has been negative implications; concerning this, the current developments of autonomous weapons by existing high tech global nations such as China and the US could dramatically destabilized global security (Busby). As a result, accidental skirmishes between such nations on the international water could become a war that humans could neither prevent resulting in mass deaths and environmental pollution. However, the benefits of technology in national security to a great extent exceed the possible negative implication since enactment of regulatory laws by organizations such as the United Nations can help solve the problem. Moreover, negotiation of international treaties, totally banning the development of autonomous weapons can also solve the problem (Busby).
Conclusion
In conclusion, technological advancement have also revolutionized human interaction as well as communication by bridging existing global distances. Concerning this, through smartphones, the internet, as well as social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube people from all over the globe are able to not only communicate but also interact. Moreover, technology has also promoted information sharing thereby, keeping people not only knowledgeable but also aware of global happenings.
Therefore, given the numerous positive implications of technology which include revolution of human interaction and communication, automation of modern-day workplaces and industries; hence, increasing productivity, enhancement of national security, development of the medical field and education, technological changes have been mostly positive.
Works Cited
Alton, Larry. “How Should Millennials Prepare For The Coming Robotic Revolution?”. Forbes, (2018). Retrieved from; https://www.forbes.com/sites/larryalton/2018/01/29/how-should-millennials-prepare-for-the-coming-robotic-revolution/#29cb7e6f1058
Busby, Mattha. “The Future of War Is Autonomous Killer Robots Battling to the Death”. The Vice. Retrieved from; https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/evqqy7/the-future-of-war-is-autonomous-killer-robots-battling-to-the-death
Cable News Network. “Can robots teach?” YouTube, (2014). Retrieved from; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YtpNwC7BNc
Tufekci, Zeynep. “The Machines Are Coming”. New York Times, (2015). Retrieved from; https://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/19/opinion/sunday/the-machines-are-coming.html
Wired. “The Future of Your Job in the Age of AI | Robots " Us | WIRED”. Youtube,
(2017). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMIsbl3DIL8
