Technology's Relationship with Us

Merriam-Webster defines technology as "a capability given by the practical application of knowledge". Based on that definition, we as humans have always had technology. To a caveman, starting a fire would be technology, or the spear he used to catch the food he's cooking. Nowadays, technology is much different. 

When looking at technology as a whole, our relationship with it is dependent. Could you imagine the chaos if planes and cars suddenly stopped working? All phone lines down, no lights in the entire city? All of a sudden, that caveman's fire is much more of a technology again. As a society, it does not matter whether our relationship with technology is healthy or unhealthy because we could not exist without it either way. 

With that being said, it is unhealthy. I believe that we as humans have become so impressed with our technological achievements that we could not exist without them, and that is unhealthy. I believe we are all guilty of this in today's world. 

This summer, I had the chance to work as a summer camp counselor at a local ministry sailing camp. This was a no-phone, overnight camp for 4 and a half days and one 10-day session. Kids would range from 7-14; I mostly worked with 11-14. The amount of media these children consume is concerning. Kids knowing slang and terms I didn't hear until my late teens, political opinions, and other things. A
few months ago, Oxford Press announced the 2024 word of the year, with that word being brain rot. The simple definition is the supposed frying of your brain from over-consumption of media. I fear for younger generations after me, whose world growing up will be entirely centered around their online social presence. 

While these concerns still range into older generations, I believe technology has done wonders for society beyond that. It has transformed the ability to meet people, build communities, rally behind causes, and use creative expression. I've made countless friends from online platforms who have now become best men. It allows my dad to talk to his brother all the way out in Guam and my mom to be able to reach my brother in Florida in a heartbeat. Technology allowed a separated, frightened world to stay united during the COVID-19 pandemic. Examples of technology like this have truly changed the way we, as humans, communicate, adapt, and grow as people. 

Technology is as dangerous as we make it. Which is very dangerous; we have created nuclear weapons, after all. However, it can be managed and handled if in the proper hands. It is important to understand the threats that come with technology, especially the digital footprint. The more we can be educated on how to properly use technology, the more we can properly teach the youth, the safer technology will become. To conquer an enemy, you must know them.