Technology a boon or bain

Technology is necessary but not always a positive influence in modern life. This issue has especially come into vogue in the last decade due to the mind-boggling pace of technology. Also, this issue is a complex one because it involves a conflict between the traditional and the modern.

First, it goes without saying that technology has made our lives easier to the extent that repetitive and monotonous tasks need not be performed manually. These tasks, by their very nature, are irascible and reduce the productive potential of an individual. To give an illustration, consider the task of an accountant having to compute various statistics as a part of his job. Before the advent of computers, he had to do this job "by hand". As is obvious, the job involves tedious computations on his part. Such a job will, no doubt, lead to irritation and the person will soon lose all motivation. On the other hand, if such tiresome tasks are automated, not only will it make the accountant's job easier but it will also improve efficiency and accuracy of the job.

Coming to larger issues, technology as a whole can be classified into various groups. Some of the important ones are Information Technology, Biotechnology, Nuclear Technology, Medicine etc. I sh

In the field of medicine, it is difficult to argue that technology can have negative influences. The last century has seen the eradication of such diseases as smallpox with polio being next on the list. It has increased the average life span of a human being by a decade. Diseases which had no cure till recently can be easily cured now. But just like everything else, medicine too has its ill effects. An indirect negative influence of medicine is that one can rely too much on it. He can resort to an unhealthy lifestyle with the knowledge that he can always fall back on medicine to solve his health problems. Also medicine may be able to keep a person alive but may not be able to allow him to lead a normal life. Some would argue that this is worse that death.

I shall elaborate on each of them individually.

Probably the most contentious technological issue today is in the area of nuclear technology. It has very obvious positive as well as negative influences. Nuclear technology is a rich source of energy which can be used to produce electricity to power up our homes and offices. The obvious source of contention is in the area of manufacture of nuclear weapons. It is scary to think that the phrase "weapons of mass destruction" has become a cliche. Mankind has seen the destructive power of this technology, not once but twice in the space of three days in that fateful period of August of 1945.