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Jim Roth’s Website What’s an Essay? The Pitfalls of Technology Example The Pitfalls of Technology Modern technology is a
luxury people all over the world come across daily. Then again, is it really
a luxury? From computers to cell phones, technology is everywhere around us and
so is the chaos that comes along with it. The time and money spent on
computers, cell phones and cars grow every year. While there are great conveniences that generate
from technology, the inconveniences often outweigh the advantages. While computers are beneficial, they have many
drawbacks. The unreliability of computers causes many problems for
teachers, students and businesses. For example, my mathematics class requires
a program to be downloaded onto my computer to participate in the online class.
After multiple tries, tests and failures trying to download the program onto
my computer, I have resorted to commuting to the college daily to complete my
work on computers already equipped with the software. According to Castillo, “Computer crashes are
very common and erase vast amounts of important information that can
sometimes never be recovered” (85). Most importantly, computers and the
internet can be a great danger to users, especially children. Predators and
identity thieves are prowling the internet looking for innocent children and
gullible consumers. Computers may make our lives easier but at times they are
more trouble than they are worth. Cell phones are useful in case of an emergency but
are they really worth the hidden charges, unreliable service and annoyance in
public places? Phone companies present great deals that sound too good
to be true and they usually are; as you will find out when your first bill is
received. Roaming, overage and equipment charges are just a few surprises
that you will continue to receive throughout your cell phone usage. Castillo
reminds us that unreliable service is a huge inconvenience when you need to
use your phone (87). Important calls are missed and families aren’t able to
connect when needed. Additionally, the persistent rings of cell phones are an
annoyance and disturbance in public settings. Many businesses and public
facilities display signs asking for cell phones to be turned off. Cell phones can cause more frustration and
confusion than convenience. Cars are a troublesome necessity for almost
everyone. They have great benefits but cause considerable stress as
well. The cost of cars and their maintenance rises constantly. Cars encounter
many technical problems that require a mechanic. The complications of engines
with computers and technically difficult repairs confuse car owners and
“often cause them to pay more money than needed” (Castillo 86). Gas prices
are a huge burden and fluctuate daily, not to mention the horrible gas
mileage huge SUV cars have. The act of buying a car is an extremely stressful
and puzzling experience for buyers with no knowledge of cars. Car dealers
tend to take advantage of the uninformed and sometimes desperate buyers. Cars
require a great amount of time, money and knowledge to maintain and own. Every year new gadgets
are presented to the public and are perceived as essential. Millions of
dollars and hours of time are spent buying, using and maintaining these
computers, cell phones, cars and the variations of them. Modern technology is
in every store, home and office. The inconveniences and headaches caused by
technology are growing and are causing us as a society to become more and
more detached from each other. They
assault the environment with noise, carbon monoxide fumes, and allow sexual
predators and thieves into our living rooms. Advertisers would like us to buy
into the assumption that if we do not have the most expensive and latest
model of computer, cell phone or car we will not be successful. Perhaps just the opposite is true. Works Cited Castillo, Don. "Technology Monsters." Viewpoints. Ed. W. Royce Adams, 7th ed. Boston, Wadsworth, 2006. (84-87). |