Technology and electronics are no doubt becoming more and more of a necessity as time progresses. The rate of technological advancement is at its highest yet, and keeping up can be difficult sometimes. However, it is almost necessary for us to do so. Today, we are going to discuss and deflect claims made against technology, and show value and purpose for its existence.
It is almost a guarantee that we all have that one person in our lives who is constantly complaining about technology. Whether it be how frequently others use it, how they cannot understand it or keep up, or even comparing to how things used to be, there always will be people who express opinions such as these. What people may not understand, is just how crucial being able to use electronics and new tech actually is, especially in terms of finding employment, education, and even just leisurely activities.
The first, and most important aspect of the usefulness of technology would be in terms of education. In university (and even high school), in order to complete many of the required academic activities, a computer or similar device is required. Just possessing a device such as this is not enough, though. One must know how to use it, and use it efficiently and effectively. For example, at UNB Saint John, a vast majority of assignments, grades, and class updates are posted online. In addition, important notifications are typically sent through this service as well, or student emails. If these are inaccessible to students due to lack of tech, or tech skills, success becomes quite difficult to achieve.
Secondly, we should address the requirements for employment in terms of technology and media. Most jobs now require at least basic knowledge for the use of computer software such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc. In many cases, these requirements are posted on the application for jobs, and sometimes applicants are even tested. Social media and cell phones are also crucial tools, as if you need to get a hold of a coworker or boss these are the most commonly used tools. For example, it is now nearly impossible for someone to be a successful business associate, politician, or teacher without electronic means of communication, as in order to keep customers or clients, it is necessary for them to keep up with the times. From personal experience, I have now had two jobs and both have used social media to contact employees and bring workers at the establishments together. At McDonald’s, the restaurant used Facebook Messenger, creating group chats and also privately messaging employees. At Best Buy, (my current place of employment), an app called Group Me is used, similarly to how it was at McDonald’s.
Last, but certainly not least, is in regards to socialization and friend circles. Without a doubt, any college or university student you ask will have at least three or four social media platforms they use regularly. As time has progressed, media has become a larger and larger part of everyone’s social lives, with things like texting, Snapchat, Twitter, YouTube, and so on. Without these tools and platforms, communication with close friends and family seems much more difficult, and some may describe a feeling of isolation as well. In the least biased, most respectful way possible, I will say that this is where many comments and complaints from older folks occur. They see it as us younger people being unable to socialize as they did when they were younger, and sometimes are unwilling or incapable of learning how to use these new methods of communication and entertainment. In some cases, people finally begin to understand how the new technology is used, and then large technological advancements occur, far too quickly for many people to adapt. This may cause frustration, and can be a huge hurdle for those who struggle to use technology and electronic communication/media.
Now that we have brushed the surface of the importance of media, technology, and electronic communication, we can better understand and explain to those who make comments and complaints regarding it. It is becoming a necessity, and soon enough success in this world will be impossible completely without the proper knowledge and use of it.
Declan Kennedy's Blog 