The role of technology should be to improve human life, but not to affect human values.

The role of technology should be to improve human life, but not to affect human values.

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Throughout the history of humankind, new innovations were created over time to make life easier. Technology gives humans endless possibilities in dynamic society. As humans understood basic scientific principles, more complex technology was coined to give rise to complex tools and machines to make modern human life easier. Despite the promise of technology to improve human life there may be instances where technology in the wrong hands may result in abuse and thus affect human values in adverse ways such as pollution, loss of life and increased stratification of society.

Firstly consider situations where technology can be used to enhance human life and make arduous tasks more feasible. In the case of the United States and many other industrialized nations technology has become the forefront of society, thus indispensable for survival. For example, during the Industrial revolution of the 1900s some technology was developed but it was not as efficient and fast as today’s technology. For instance, the telegram service and the early automobile improved human life gradually but had limitations. Nowadays with the help of the computer these limitations have been removed and has become an all in one machine that is versatile for every discipline in society. In the field of medicine, technology has enhanced the efficiency and success rates of modern medicine compared to the past. With the help of technological advances such as microscopy, X rays, cell lab techniques and computer visualization of the human body, medicine has flourished into a very successful and evolving field. Additionally, in engineering technological advances have had major implication not only in the developed world but in underdeveloped nations. In industrialized nations engineering has benefited from technology especially the computer that enables workers to plan out construction projects and to make public infrastructure safer. In developing nations, technology such as  reverse osmosis of rain water and sanitation procedures have improved the quality of life in underdeveloped nations. Also, the spread of modern medicine to underdeveloped nations has helped eradicate diseases such as polio and malaria via vaccinations. Thus it is evident that technology can be used to enhance human life.

On the other hand, just like any other field, technology has its downfall. If technology gets in the wrong hands then it can have adverse affects on human lives. Technology can be used as a source of control over other peoples lives. For instance in the industrialized worlds with a capitalistic society, computer and wireless telecommunications has made it very easy for companies to lure customers into giving them profits by compromising the livelihood of others.  This has been achieved through telemarketing and outsourcing of jobs by Multi-national corporations (MNCs). Also in modern society, advancement of technology have dramatic affects on the health of individuals. With the invention of automobiles and planes people have become very dependent on these technologies resulting in a sedentary lifestyle. For instance, people may have a grocery store one block away and instead of walking choose to drive their car. These implications of technology have resulted in skyrocketing obesity rates in industrialized nations. Similarly, some may use technology to destroy human life by making atomic bombs and nuclear weapons to gain unfair control of people to fulfill selfish demands.

All in all, like any other field technology is a two way street. Technology can be used to improve human life if one chooses to do so and will greatly benefit society. The advancements in technology throughout time has showcased the possibilities of human ingenuity. It has allowed societies to develop in dynamic ways, as well as ease the lives of future generations. While technology can be used to improve human life, there are always possibilities of abuse. People can use this accumulated knowledge to gain power and compromise the health and safety of others. Therefore, there must be a fine balance between how technology should be used in society and be aware of the downside of technology such used for harm.