Glass Half Full on Technology

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Glass Half Full on Technology
Today, technology is simply everywhere. Nowadays individuals seem to go through withdrawals if they forget their cell phones at home, almost as if it’s a lifeline. According to a new study conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation, the average young American, ages 8 to 18, spend more than 7 ½ hours a day using a smart phone, computer, television, and/or other electronics devices. There is no doubt that this statistic has risen over the years. In the 21st century, we are quick to judge the negatives of how the Internet and technology is affecting us, but should we? Or is it time to realize that technology is now the way of life? In the article, “Is Google Making Us Stupid”, Nicholas Carr argues about how the Internet affects our thought process on what I would call, looking at the glass half empty. Although Carr makes a very good argument, I believe there are many ways to look at the glass half full when it comes to technology.
The Internet has played a significant role on how we learn today. Decades ago, students would use libraries when gathering information. Libraries in this day and age, are something of the past. Now, students are able to use websites such as Google, Bing, Yahoo, and Duck Duck Go. Carr describes why he has switched from library books to now using computers:
For more than a decade now, I’ve been spending a lot of time online, searching and surfing and sometimes adding to the great databases of the Internet. The web has been a godsend to me s a writer. Research that once required days in the stacks or periodical rooms of the libraries can now be done in minutes. A few Google searches, some quick clicks on the hyperlinks, and I’ve got the telltale fact or pithy quote...

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...ately, there are many ways to look at the glass half full when it comes to technology. When using the Internet, we open the door to endless information and opportunity. Whether it’s looking at multiple resources with different perspectives in a time efficient manner, learning in a way that best suits you, or using connective applications to communicate with family and friends, it should be considered a privilege to use a powerful tool called the Internet. We are in control of how technology affects us. Use these tools to your advantage. Like Carr said, “maybe I’m just a worrywart. Just as there’s a tendency to glorify technological progress, there’s a tendency to expect the worst of every new tool or machine (7).” This is our society. We have created what technology is today. Either you join the techno community, or fall behind from the present and future.

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