Science and Technology is a double edge sword it cuts
both ways depending on how it is used science and technology can make or
destroy us. It is essential that we must know and understand its advantages and
disadvantages.
ADVANTAGES OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Communication
From hand-held
computers to touch phones, technological advancements in the field of
communication are endless. The means and the modes of communication are
unlimited. Some of the benefits of technological advancements in the field of
communication are:
- Speed : time is no longer a constraint in communication
- Clarity : With megapixel images and video, and high fidelity audio systems clarity in communication has become a never-before experience
- Proximity : technological advancements have made the world a smaller place to live in
- Dissemination : whether spreading information, broadcasting news, or sharing knowledge, technology has made it faster, easier, and smarter
Education
Technological
advancements in the field of education are fast evolving. Today, e-learning is
a familiar and popular term. Some of the benefits of technology in this field
are:
Personalized
learning experience: Learners are able to take control and manage their own
learning. They set their own goals, manage the process and content of learning,
and communicate with peers.
Immediate response: Most e-learning programs provide immediate feedbacks on learner assessments. Similarly there are features such as chat, discussion boards, e-libraries, etc that allow clarifications at a faster pace than in traditional classrooms.
Self-paced: Learners can chart courses at their own pace. This ensures higher levels of motivation both in terms of completing the course as well as in performance.
Greater access: Technological advancements have opened education to learners with learning disabilities and in remote locations.
Immediate response: Most e-learning programs provide immediate feedbacks on learner assessments. Similarly there are features such as chat, discussion boards, e-libraries, etc that allow clarifications at a faster pace than in traditional classrooms.
Self-paced: Learners can chart courses at their own pace. This ensures higher levels of motivation both in terms of completing the course as well as in performance.
Greater access: Technological advancements have opened education to learners with learning disabilities and in remote locations.
Healthcare
The marriage
between medicine and technology has reshaped healthcare and revolutionized the
medical profession. Some of the major benefits are:
Secure environment: Technology
allows physicians and patients to interact in a secure and comfortable
environment to discuss sensitive issues.
Flexibility: Physicians can answer routine and less critical queries at a convenient time.
Cost- and time-saving: Physicians can follow-up, provide advice, and re-direct patients to resources on the Internet. This saves cost and time by reducing office visits.
Medical devices: Medical aids allow patients to continue recovery at home reducing their hospital stay.
Vulnerable population: Technology aids the very young, elderly, and patients with complex birth defects, chronic illnesses, and disabled children by alleviating their problems so that they can continue living in their homes.
Flexibility: Physicians can answer routine and less critical queries at a convenient time.
Cost- and time-saving: Physicians can follow-up, provide advice, and re-direct patients to resources on the Internet. This saves cost and time by reducing office visits.
Medical devices: Medical aids allow patients to continue recovery at home reducing their hospital stay.
Vulnerable population: Technology aids the very young, elderly, and patients with complex birth defects, chronic illnesses, and disabled children by alleviating their problems so that they can continue living in their homes.
Society
Today
technology pervades almost all aspects of our daily life from shopping,
banking, making travel arrangements to university admissions. Some of the benefits
are:
Convenience: Provides a
great deal of convenience in expediting personal and business transactions be
it shopping, banking, or simply paying bills.
Speed: From sending gifts to making payments everything gets a done with a few clicks.
Communication: The world is a smaller place and technology allows everyone to keep in touch with their families and friends at a more affordable cost.
Accuracy: Technology has reduced errors in mundane and monotonous chores, saving time and cost.
Development: Technology has brought about development in many fields such as medicine, government, business, education, etc.
Speed: From sending gifts to making payments everything gets a done with a few clicks.
Communication: The world is a smaller place and technology allows everyone to keep in touch with their families and friends at a more affordable cost.
Accuracy: Technology has reduced errors in mundane and monotonous chores, saving time and cost.
Development: Technology has brought about development in many fields such as medicine, government, business, education, etc.
Technology
has evolved and transformed our lives and society. Overall, it has brought
about tremendous growth and benefit to mankind.
DISADVANTAGES OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Pollution
One
of the biggest concerns about modern technology today is pollution. Vehicles
and major manufacturing plants are releasing ever-increasing amounts of carbon
dioxide, and that may greatly contribute to global warming.
Fewer Jobs
As
computing technology and robotic mechanisms become increasingly advanced, fewer
jobs are available due to the fact that machines can perform a task more
efficiently at a quicker pace.
Social Isolation
Modern
technology has made it possible to connect more frequently, email and text
messaging do not lend themselves to intimate revelations or in-depth
conversations. These are things that may be necessary to combat loneliness and
isolation.
Competency
With
spell check and automatic technology, simple knowledge and calculations are
done for most people. While this does save time and effort, it causes many
individuals to become dependent on technology, which can be problematic in
situations without modern advancement.
Behavioral Problems
Because
of the amount of time children spend watching television, views and behaviors
are affected. One example is evidenced in a study by researchers at the
University of Michigan that spanned 15 years. It found a link between childhood
television viewing and adult violent behavior. Other studies found links
between TV viewing and smoking, drinking and risky sexual behavior.
Let us not forget that
anything that is out of control or in excess is always bad.
