In the reading, the phrase “technological fix” is mentioned. I think that this phrase, or this notion can be problematic because it assumes that everything can be solved with technology. For example, taking a car somewhere that’s within walking distance. I think that this notion serves as a lens for american culture, as it is extremely common to use technology to ‘fix’ something that can be done manually. These technological solutions generally makes the individual heavily reliant on such technology. Following earlier’s example, it is normalized to take the easy way out by just driving somewhere, instead of walking. Although driving is far more convenient, the decline in walking by people presents a potential decline in health, such as joint mobility. Shown in the movie “Wall-E,” the humans in the movie became heavily reliant on technology, to the point where they were immobile. This movie is an exaggeration of American culture, however I think that the heavy reliance on technology to live a more ‘convenient,’ or easier life has a major influence on what technologic culture involves, and how it influences daily life and health.
5 thoughts on “Abby Bangs-Technology”
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I believe the idea of convenience is very key to technological fixes to solutions because it is always seen as a positive and is never taken into account in the future. In terms of the future, the effects of the benefits caused by convenience are never taken into account. This lack of consideration can cause us to sacrifice independence for convenience which leaves us with a bad dependency on these technologies
I completely agree with your point that humans should not develop a heavy reliance on technology. Too much of a dependence on anything is not good. Since humans have the option to make life easier with the use of technology, we have become lazy when it comes to performing simple daily tasks. I think individuals our age have the biggest dependence on phones. For example, there have been many cases in which I text my friends, or my friends text me, when we are in the same room. This is very problematic because even though we are joking and find it funny, it shows the power technology holds and how it can get in the way of real life communication.
The notion that technology should “fix” everything is a scary concept to consider. However, if we were to scrutinize over the walking example, technology does play a major part in the “manual” perspective as well. Without technology such as assembly lines for sneakers and other footwear, prices for shoes would go up and would result in people having less access to shoes. The machines that help people create sidewalks and trails are form of technology that has allowed for more ways to travel by foot. The argument that humans have grown reliant on technology is true in my opinion, but relying on certain technology is beneficial to the human race. The population of the world demands more of everything, and technology allows people meet the needs of many.
It is interesting to more critically consider the idea of a “technological fix”. While there can be someone positives to this such as innovations that can actually change people’s lives, I agree that an overreliance on this can be problematic. Sometimes technology is not the answer and it can be helpful for people to think more expansively on how there may be other non technological solutions to a problem or even that throwing technology at a problem may make things worse.
I think Wall-E is a really good example of the potential dangers of technology. Despite the dramatised future that Wall-E shows, the basis of the plot is relatively realistic seeing how much we as a society are becoming reliant on technology. I think one of the danger’s of technology is the convenience it provides in our daily lives, which has certainly made us dependent on it. Things like apple/google maps, wireless calling, and online payment methods have made life easier, though without them, it’s possible we wouldn’t remember how we functioned.