How is technology affecting the way we think, read, write and live?

Issue

Technology

Focus Question

How is technology affecting the way we think, read, write and live?

Technology

            When technology is used positively, it has a positive impact on people’s lives. Technology has enabled mechanization of processes and drastically simplified everything in the world. Human life is now intertwined with technology use through writing, thinking, reading and living. According to Cullington’s article on texting, the conclusions made further reveals the importance of technology and that it’s perceived negative effects depends on the individual user. The benefits that technology brings along greatly outweigh the negative side, ranging from the efficiency in acquiring information, leisure and communicating. The paper comprehensively focuses on technology’s positive use and the trends seen in the recent times of technological use.

            Cullington’s article researches on the effects brought about by texting, and demystify the notion that texting harms the formal writing skills terming it as inadequately researched. The based research entails the opinion of two teachers and seven enthusiastic students. The intention was to find the texting effects, especially in writing. It also tries to evaluate what learners are doing with regards to texting and writing, and people’s perception of the matter. The research finally deduces that texting and technology in general do not affect formal writing skills, but rather, it is up to the user’s choice and how they would like to use it in a particular context.

            Student writing illustrations analyzed by Cullington lacked the existence of text-speak, which is the shortened version of words or phrases. It reveals that students or the teenagers affected by texting do recognize distinctions between informally texting pals and formal writing which they took seriously (Carrington, 87). Self-awareness and discipline is the core value of using technology as seen in the research in selectively using the styles suitable in each and every situation. Since the students used in the research showed mature abstinence from using the wrong writing style, it is, therefore, a fact that technological trends like text-speak are harmless. However, teenagers must be reminded and taught on occasions of applying formal language without discouraging short texting as a tool of effective communication.

            A total paradigm shift of the limiting view of texting and other technologies must be accepted as beneficial since it endows students with valuable motivation required to write, increase writing confidence and enhance practice in various writing skills. Texting simplifies communication, expression and improves the student’s diplomatic skills.  According to Carr’s article on Google, he claims that the technology discourages concentration or reading ability(Carr, 731). This is an outright fallacy because more information does not correlate to a lack of concentration or a reading culture. In fact, it allows access to the materials for reading and encourages people to read more. Texting can allow students who abhor reading and writing develop the skill in a way they find interesting and fosters the good writing and reading culture in the society.

            Technology including texting has brought a considerable language evolution, which by all rights is a creative and good thing. Dialect change experienced in written and oral skills has enabled a sense of belonging by the particular group that uses it such as the teenagers. Simplifying communication clarifies expression and greatly helps in social development in the new generation. It is impossible and backward to oppose meaningful technology such as texting and what needs to be done is integrating the technology to impact positively to people. Language is flexible and with time it is prone to development and improvement, with the facilitation of technology, it has become possible to evolve writing without necessarily ruining the quality of formal writing.

            Technology has from its first inception faced strong opposition due to paranoia and misleading fallacies that are established around it. Socrates held a view that writing meant to substitute the human brain capacity and induced forgetfulness. Hieronimo held similar views and was opposed to the printed books, in those times that technology undermined religion; it was also thought to cause laziness, weaken the mind, and inability to study. Spelling proficiency is intact in the students regardless the fuss in texting, therefore, personal decision is attributed in willingness of not allowing negative effects from technology. It also applies in gaming that is considered dangerously addictive. Although known for its addictive nature, it is the individual user who decides whether they will allow addiction or not because the brain is considered malleable and accommodating (Anderson, 64).

            The fallacy that technology negatively affects people are conclusions of isolated incidences such as texting directly affecting writing that in reality is misleading. People who text does not use the same style in writing formal articles or papers, and neither does it impact on their skill by affecting the proficiency in spelling and styles  required. The only reason people still hold this belief is because of paranoia and rigidness since naturally people resist change. Allowing individuals to take responsibility enhances their confidence and ability to take control of their actions. As seen with the internet and gaming software developed, potential self- destruction due to lack of control is very possible. However, a culture of permissiveness is good since it allows for choices, and life is all about choices.

            Technology cannot stop, but it will constantly be improving, it is, therefore, important to disengage in the fallacies around it. Texting among other trends does not impact negatively to society since it is a personal decision each carries. Technology, therefore, should be promoted to change people positively and enhance their lifestyles.

References:

Anderson, Sam. “Just One More Game…: Angry Birds, Farmville, and Other Hyperaddictive       Stupid Games.” 64-69

Carr, Nicholas. “Is Google Making Us Stupid?” 731-744.

Cullington, Michaela. “Does Texting Affect Writing?” 87-95.