Computers
Intended Use | Reality
In-depth Research | Read Summaries
Since the advent of technology, human intelligence has been shifted from knowing what the information is to knowing where we can find it. In David Gelernter’s article, “Should Schools Be Wired To The Internet?”, he states that our dependency on technology has caused children to have “shorter attention spans" because students have become accustomed to finding the answer within seconds of browsing the Web. As a result, I argue that the abundance of knowledge on the internet has hindered more than it has enhanced the learning process. To decompress information in a novel, students have resorted to Sparknotes to get the brief and concise summary. Consequently, students are slowly losing the “ability to process information for themselves.” Instead of "analyzing" the passage, students google "analysis of Lord of the Flies" taking ideas written by others. Computers have contributed to our dependency on technology and have somewhat failed in making humans become more independent and knowledgeable.
Social Media
Intended Use | Reality
Connect with friends virtually | Disconnect with friends in person
Although Facebook's mission is to create a more open and connected world, social media has disconnected individuals from reality. Students in school can be found on their phones scrolling through their Facebook and Instagram feeds to stay "connected." This virtual interaction however, prevents individuals from having face to face conversations. According to a recent study by Badoo, the world's largest network for meeting new people,
- 39% of Americans spend more time socializing online compared to face-to-face.
- 31 % admit they sometimes get lonely and 35 percent would like to increase their circle of friends
- Nearly 20 percent prefer communicating online or via text, compared to chatting face-to-face or via phone
SnapChat
Intended Use | Reality
Safe way to share confidential photos | Photos can be leaked
Snapchat is a perfect example of a 21st century failed invention. The app advertises itself as an app that allows you to "snap a photo..and send it to a friend. They’ll view it, laugh, and then the Snap disappears from the screen ." Most snapchat users believe that their photos will only be seen for a few seconds, but there are ways to leak the photos. Recently, a "Snappening" hack exposed over 200,000 photos.
SmartKey
Intended Use | Reality
Convenient | Dangerous
New model cars are designed to have keyless car starters. Although this new invention makes it convenient for drivers to quickly start the engine, there have been several incidents of drivers forgetting to turn off their engine. Most drivers have grown up inserting a key into the engine. There has been a trend of drivers walking away with their key fob believing that their engine is shut off.
Last month in North Carolina, a family left their car running in the garage, which led to carbon monoxide poisoning in their home. Time Warner Cable News reports, "Similar incidents have happened across the country, linking cars with keyless ignitions to several carbon monoxide deaths and injuries."
Last month in North Carolina, a family left their car running in the garage, which led to carbon monoxide poisoning in their home. Time Warner Cable News reports, "Similar incidents have happened across the country, linking cars with keyless ignitions to several carbon monoxide deaths and injuries."