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Technology over the long run: zoom out to see how dramatically the world can change within a lifetime

It is easy to underestimate how much the world can change within a lifetime. considering how dramatically the world has changed can help us see how different the world could be in a few years or decades..

Technology can change the world in ways that are unimaginable until they happen. Switching on an electric light would have been unimaginable for our medieval ancestors. In their childhood, our grandparents would have struggled to imagine a world connected by smartphones and the Internet.

Similarly, it is hard for us to imagine the arrival of all those technologies that will fundamentally change the world we are used to.

We can remind ourselves that our own future might look very different from the world today by looking back at how rapidly technology has changed our world in the past. That’s what this article is about.

One insight I take away from this long-term perspective is how unusual our time is. Technological change was extremely slow in the past – the technologies that our ancestors got used to in their childhood were still central to their lives in their old age. In stark contrast to those days, we live in a time of extraordinarily fast technological change. For recent generations, it was common for technologies that were unimaginable in their youth to become common later in life.

The long-run perspective on technological change

The big visualization offers a long-term perspective on the history of technology. 1

The timeline begins at the center of the spiral. The first use of stone tools, 3.4 million years ago, marks the beginning of this history of technology. 2 Each turn of the spiral represents 200,000 years of history. It took 2.4 million years – 12 turns of the spiral – for our ancestors to control fire and use it for cooking. 3

To be able to visualize the inventions in the more recent past – the last 12,000 years – I had to unroll the spiral. I needed more space to be able to show when agriculture, writing, and the wheel were invented. During this period, technological change was faster, but it was still relatively slow: several thousand years passed between each of these three inventions.

From 1800 onwards, I stretched out the timeline even further to show the many major inventions that rapidly followed one after the other.

The long-term perspective that this chart provides makes it clear just how unusually fast technological change is in our time.

You can use this visualization to see how technology developed in particular domains. Follow, for example, the history of communication: from writing to paper, to the printing press, to the telegraph, the telephone, the radio, all the way to the Internet and smartphones.

Or follow the rapid development of human flight. In 1903, the Wright brothers took the first flight in human history (they were in the air for less than a minute), and just 66 years later, we landed on the moon. Many people saw both within their lifetimes: the first plane and the moon landing.

This large visualization also highlights the wide range of technology’s impact on our lives. It includes extraordinarily beneficial innovations, such as the vaccine that allowed humanity to eradicate smallpox , and it includes terrible innovations, like the nuclear bombs that endanger the lives of all of us .

What will the next decades bring?

The red timeline reaches up to the present and then continues in green into the future. Many children born today, even without further increases in life expectancy, will live well into the 22nd century.

New vaccines, progress in clean, low-carbon energy, better cancer treatments – a range of future innovations could very much improve our living conditions and the environment around us. But, as I argue in a series of articles , there is one technology that could even more profoundly change our world: artificial intelligence (AI).

One reason why artificial intelligence is such an important innovation is that intelligence is the main driver of innovation itself. This fast-paced technological change could speed up even more if it’s driven not only by humanity’s intelligence but also by artificial intelligence. If this happens, the change currently stretched out over decades might happen within a very brief time span of just a year. Possibly even faster. 4

I think AI technology could have a fundamentally transformative impact on our world. In many ways, it is already changing our world, as I documented in this companion article . As this technology becomes more capable in the years and decades to come, it can give immense power to those who control it (and it poses the risk that it could escape our control entirely).

Such systems might seem hard to imagine today, but AI technology is advancing quickly. Many AI experts believe there is a real chance that human-level artificial intelligence will be developed within the next decades, as I documented in this article .

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Technology will continue to change the world – we should all make sure that it changes it for the better

What is familiar to us today – photography, the radio, antibiotics, the Internet, or the International Space Station circling our planet – was unimaginable to our ancestors just a few generations ago. If your great-great-great grandparents could spend a week with you, they would be blown away by your everyday life.

What I take away from this history is that I will likely see technologies in my lifetime that appear unimaginable to me today.

In addition to this trend towards increasingly rapid innovation, there is a second long-run trend. Technology has become increasingly powerful. While our ancestors wielded stone tools, we are building globe-spanning AI systems and technologies that can edit our genes.

Because of the immense power that technology gives those who control it, there is little that is as important as the question of which technologies get developed during our lifetimes. Therefore, I think it is a mistake to leave the question about the future of technology to the technologists. Which technologies are controlled by whom is one of the most important political questions of our time because of the enormous power these technologies convey to those who control them.

We all should strive to gain the knowledge we need to contribute to an intelligent debate about the world we want to live in. To a large part, this means gaining knowledge and wisdom on the question of which technologies we want.

Acknowledgments: I would like to thank my colleagues Hannah Ritchie, Bastian Herre, Natasha Ahuja, Edouard Mathieu, Daniel Bachler, Charlie Giattino, and Pablo Rosado for their helpful comments on drafts of this essay and the visualization. Thanks also to Lizka Vaintrob and Ben Clifford for the conversation that initiated this visualization.

Appendix: About the choice of visualization in this article

The recent speed of technological change makes it difficult to picture the history of technology in one visualization. When you visualize this development on a linear timeline, then most of the timeline is almost empty, while all the action is crammed into the right corner:

Linear version of the spiral chart

In my large visualization here, I tried to avoid this problem and instead show the long history of technology in a way that lets you see when each technological breakthrough happened and how, within the last millennia, there was a continuous acceleration of technological change.

The recent speed of technological change makes it difficult to picture the history of technology in one visualization. In the appendix, I show how this would look if it were linear.

It is, of course, difficult to assess when exactly the first stone tools were used.

The research by McPherron et al. (2010) suggested that it was at least 3.39 million years ago. This is based on two fossilized bones found in Dikika in Ethiopia, which showed “stone-tool cut marks for flesh removal and percussion marks for marrow access”. These marks were interpreted as being caused by meat consumption and provide the first evidence that one of our ancestors, Australopithecus afarensis, used stone tools.

The research by Harmand et al. (2015) provided evidence for stone tool use in today’s Kenya 3.3 million years ago.

References:

McPherron et al. (2010) – Evidence for stone-tool-assisted consumption of animal tissues before 3.39 million years ago at Dikika, Ethiopia . Published in Nature.

Harmand et al. (2015) – 3.3-million-year-old stone tools from Lomekwi 3, West Turkana, Kenya . Published in Nature.

Evidence for controlled fire use approximately 1 million years ago is provided by Berna et al. (2012) Microstratigraphic evidence of in situ fire in the Acheulean strata of Wonderwerk Cave, Northern Cape province, South Africa , published in PNAS.

The authors write: “The ability to control fire was a crucial turning point in human evolution, but the question of when hominins first developed this ability still remains. Here we show that micromorphological and Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy (mFTIR) analyses of intact sediments at the site of Wonderwerk Cave, Northern Cape province, South Africa, provide unambiguous evidence—in the form of burned bone and ashed plant remains—that burning took place in the cave during the early Acheulean occupation, approximately 1.0 Ma. To the best of our knowledge, this is the earliest secure evidence for burning in an archaeological context.”

This is what authors like Holden Karnofsky called ‘Process for Automating Scientific and Technological Advancement’ or PASTA. Some recent developments go in this direction: DeepMind’s AlphaFold helped to make progress on one of the large problems in biology, and they have also developed an AI system that finds new algorithms that are relevant to building a more powerful AI.

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How Technology Has Changed Our Lives Essay | Technology Has Changed Our Life Positively, Impact of Technology in Day To Day Life

December 3, 2021 by Prasanna

How Technology Has Changed Our Lives Essay: Technological innovations, applications, and advancements have impacted human civilization through ages that gradually transformed our lives. Technology has taken a key role for societies to thrive and evolve, while at the same time the structure and aspirations of human societies have been modified based on how they are being influenced by technology. As technological systems reflect the very essence of a population’s needs, human societies and their technology has become inseparable from one another. Our lives move around technology that results in the development of further innovations and applications to meet the needs of society.

You can also find more  Essay Writing  articles on events, persons, sports, technology and many more.

Long Essay on How Technology Has Changed Our Lives

Technology affecting the way of life

We all know that necessity is the mother of invention; so all invented technology came into place to meet the needs of people. Once developed, it changed our lives and behaviors in society, which may result in new ways of life. The people may simply use the technology to survive, or it may help the society to evolve and attain progress by creating a greater level of efficiency. At the same time, technological developments may even change the lifestyle and habits of people to the point of affecting human adaptive mechanisms and thus facilitating further technological evolution. Throughout the years, technology has kept providing us with amazing resources that can bring a vast difference in our everyday lives.

Every human society in the modern world has experienced technology as a utility and means of living more efficient lives. The infiltration of technology into our lives has been gradual and sometimes we may not even realize the extent to which technology has become part of our every waking moment. From the tiny to the enormous, every application of modern technology is opening a new world to us.

Technology is everywhere

The field of communication has seen very quick and significant changes in technology. Communication is immediate regardless of if a person is right there or across the globe. The education system has adapted new technology where students have the freedom to learn at any time and location of their choice through online facilities. The need for comfort and convenience has always been a strong motivator for the emergence of new technologies.

Access to any information is just a matter of a few clicks on the devices. The definition of entertainment has taken a new form with the latest technology. There has been a drastic change in our personal lives as we are open to numerous choices but we need to keep pace with their rapidly changing profiles. The most noticeable change in our lives has been the introduction of social media. This culture of getting involved in social networking through online mode has developed too fast. It allows a virtual entry into the lives of others in real-time whether they’re friends, followers, or celebrities.

Technology controlling us

Technology has made our lives faster and convenient by changing the way we do everything. As we move forward, technology accompanies us. We are surrounded by technology and become dependent on it. As we look around us and realize how technology has positively changed our lives, we must also remember how technology is controlling our lives by influencing our thought processes, ideas, and preferences. The big question is, whether we are using technology or being used by technology?

Too much dependence on technology has restricted the scope to flourish our creative and intellectual abilities. We are shifting to quantity from quality in terms of time, emotions, and relations. Our lives are getting trapped within technology and we feel helpless without the support. Technology is like an elevator that can take us to new heights as we desire, but we have to be ready to use the staircase as well in case it fails.

How Technology Has Changed Our Lives

Short Essay on How Technology Has Changed Our Lives

Introduction

Technology has changed our lives and has made the world smaller with faster communication, instant information access, and online interactions. Technological advancements have brought everything to our fingertips, making life more enjoyable and convenient. Today, if you want to find something out, it only requires a couple of clicks on the internet. There is literally an app for anything, which renders instant and relevant information. From learning, traveling, dining to almost anything that you can think of is accessible through app technology.

Technology and Future

Technology has revolutionized our daily lives by giving us access to amazing tools and resources. Modern technology has paved the way for multi-functional devices which are faster, more portable, high-powered, and user-friendly. All these revolutions of technology have made our lives better, easier, faster, and more fulfilling. Technology has changed how we can entertain ourselves, interact with each other, and consume all types of information. There are so many new technologies evolving day by day that it seems overwhelming to adapt and keep track of. There is no doubt that the future of technology will continue to revolutionize our lives. In the coming days, driverless cars may be the new trend and robots will replace humans in factories.

The Online World

The latest technology trend has driven our daily lives centered on online activities more than ever before. Almost every aspect of our daily routines can be catered to online today, so it seems inevitable that our time spent online will only increase. Online accessibility to anything of our choice gives us a satisfactory level of convenience. It has changed our habits and preferences as well. But it has also made us vulnerable. Every digital footprint we make online is recorded and can be used by cybercriminals in unethical ways again by using some latest technology. So we have to be careful and updated while getting adapted to new technology.

FAQ’s on How Technology Has Changed Our Lives Essay

Question 1. Which app has helped us reach out somewhere more conveniently?

Answer: If we want to know how to reach somewhere, an app like Google Maps helps us get thereby giving the best route complete with directions, as well as satellite imaging.

Question 2. What is the impact of technology in the communication arena?

Answer: There are various online social networking sites that give us a chance to meet the rest of the world and make communication direct on this platform. It not only has changed the process of communication but also the way to build relationships.

Question 3 . How does the online mode of learning and education help us?

Answer: Education has now migrated from the classroom to the online platform and become accessible from any part of the world.

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How Tech Has Changed Our Lives In The Last 10 Years

Several tech experts weigh in on the technologies of the past decade that had the greatest impact on society.

Copyright © 2019 NPR. All rights reserved. Visit our website terms of use and permissions pages at www.npr.org for further information.

NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.

Technology to defeat Ebola

Mathematics for a sustainable world, openmind books, scientific anniversaries, what is the purpose of music, featured author, latest book, how the internet has changed everyday life, what happened.

The Internet has turned our existence upside down. It has revolutionized communications, to the extent that it is now our preferred medium of everyday communication. In almost everything we do, we use the Internet. Ordering a pizza, buying a television, sharing a moment with a friend, sending a picture over instant messaging. Before the Internet, if you wanted to keep up with the news, you had to walk down to the newsstand when it opened in the morning and buy a local edition reporting what had happened the previous day. But today a click or two is enough to read your local paper and any news source from anywhere in the world, updated up to the minute.

The Internet itself has been transformed. In its early days—which from a historical perspective are still relatively recent—it was a static network designed to shuttle a small freight of bytes or a short message between two terminals; it was a repository of information where content was published and maintained only by expert coders. Today, however, immense quantities of information are uploaded and downloaded over this electronic leviathan, and the content is very much our own, for now we are all commentators, publishers, and creators.

In the 1980s and 1990s, the Internet widened in scope to encompass the IT capabilities of universities and research centers, and, later on, public entities, institutions, and private enterprises from around the world. The Internet underwent immense growth; it was no longer a state-controlled project, but the largest computer network in the world, comprising over 50,000 sub-networks, 4 million systems, and 70 million users.

The emergence of  web 2.0  in the first decade of the twenty-first century was itself a revolution in the short history of the Internet, fostering the rise of social media and other interactive, crowd-based communication tools.

The Internet was no longer concerned with information exchange alone: it was a sophisticated multidisciplinary tool enabling individuals to create content, communicate with one another, and even escape reality. Today, we can send data from one end of the world to the other in a matter of seconds, make online presentations, live in parallel “game worlds,” and use pictures, video, sound, and text to share our real lives, our genuine identity. Personal stories go public; local issues become global.

The rise of the Internet has sparked a debate about how online communication affects social relationships. The Internet frees us from geographic fetters and brings us together in topic-based communities that are not tied down to any specific place. Ours is a networked, globalized society connected by new technologies. The Internet is the tool we use to interact with one another, and accordingly poses new challenges to privacy and security.

Information technologies have wrought fundamental change throughout society, driving it forward from the industrial age to the networked era. In our world, global information networks are vital infrastructure—but in what ways has this changed human relations? The Internet has changed business, education, government, healthcare, and even the ways in which we interact with our loved ones—it has become one of the key drivers of social evolution.

The changes in social communication are of particular significance. Although analogue tools still have their place in some sectors, new technologies are continuing to gain ground every day, transforming our communication practices and possibilities—particularly among younger people. The Internet has removed all communication barriers. Online, the conventional constraints of space and time disappear and there is a dizzyingly wide range of communicative possibilities. The impact of social media applications has triggered discussion of the “new communication democracy.”

The development of the Internet today is being shaped predominantly by instant, mobile communications. The mobile Internet is a fresh revolution. Comprehensive Internet connectivity via smartphones and tablets is leading to an increasingly mobile reality: we are not tied to any single specific device, and everything is in the cloud.

People no longer spend hours gazing at a computer screen after work or class; instead, they use their mobile devices to stay online everywhere, all the time.

Anyone failing to keep abreast of this radical change is losing out on an opportunity.

Communication Opportunities Created by the Internet

The Internet has become embedded in every aspect of our day-to-day lives, changing the way we interact with others. This insight struck me when I started out in the world of social media. I created my first social network in 2005, when I was finishing college in the United States—it had a political theme. I could already see that social media were on the verge of changing our way of communicating, helping us to share information by opening up a new channel that cuts across conventional ones.

That first attempt did not work out, but I learned from the experience.I get the feeling that in many countries failure is punished too harshly—but the fact is, the only surefire way of avoiding failure is to do nothing at all. I firmly believe that mistakes help you improve; getting it wrong teaches you how to get it right. Creativity, hard work, and a positive attitude will let you achieve any goal.

In 2006, after I moved to Spain, I created Tuenti. Tuenti (which, contrary to widespread belief, has nothing to do with the number 20; it is short for “tu entidad,” the Spanish for “your entity”) is a social communication platform for genuine friends. From the outset, the idea was to keep it simple, relevant, and private. That’s the key to its success.

I think the real value of social media is that you can stay in touch from moment to moment with the people who really matter to you. Social media let you share experiences and information; they get people and ideas in touch instantly, without frontiers. Camaraderie, friendship, and solidarity—social phenomena that have been around for as long as humanity itself—have been freed from the conventional restrictions of space and time and can now thrive in a rich variety of ways.

Out of all the plethora of communication opportunities that the Internet has opened up, I would highlight the emergence of social media and the way they have intricately melded into our daily lives. Social media have changed our personal space, altering the way we interact with our loved ones, our friends, and our sexual partners; they have forced us to rethink even basic daily processes like studying and shopping; they have affected the economy by nurturing the business startup culture and electronic commerce; they have even given us new ways to form broad-based political movements.

The Internet and Education

The Internet has clearly impacted all levels of education by providing unbounded possibilities for learning. I believe the future of education is a networked future. People can use the Internet to create and share knowledge and develop new ways of teaching and learning that captivate and stimulate students’ imagination at any time, anywhere, using any device. By connecting and empowering students and educators, we can speed up economic growth and enhance the well-being of society throughout the world. We should work together, over a network, to build the global learning society.

The network of networks is an inexhaustible source of information. What’s more, the Internet has enabled users to move away from their former passive role as mere recipients of messages conveyed by conventional media to an active role, choosing what information to receive, how, and when. The information recipient even decides whether or not they want to stay informed.

We have moved on from scattergun mass communication to a pattern where the user proactively selects the information they need.

Students can work interactively with one another, unrestricted by physical or time constraints. Today, you can use the Internet to access libraries, encyclopedias, art galleries, news archives, and other information sources from anywhere in the world: I believe this is a key advantage in the education field. The web is a formidable resource for enhancing the process of building knowledge.

I also believe the Internet is a wonderful tool for learning and practicing other languages—this continues to be a critical issue in many countries, including Spain, and, in a globalized world, calls for special efforts to improve.

The Internet, in addition to its communicative purposes, has become a vital tool for exchanging knowledge and education; it is not just an information source, or a locus where results can be published, it is also a channel for cooperating with other people and groups who are working on related research topics.

The Internet and Privacy and Security

Another key issue surrounding Internet use is privacy. Internet users are becoming more sensitive to the insight that privacy is a must-have in our lives.

Privacy has risen near the top of the agenda in step with an increasing awareness of the implications of using social media. Much of the time, people started to use social media with no real idea of the dangers, and have wised up only through trial and error—sheer accident, snafus, and mistakes. Lately, inappropriate use of social media seems to hit the headlines every day. Celebrities posting inappropriate comments to their profiles, private pictures and tapes leaked to the Internet at large, companies displaying arrogance toward users, and even criminal activities involving private-data trafficking or social media exploitation.

All this shows that—contrary to what many people seem to have assumed—online security and privacy are critical, and, I believe, will become even more important going forward. And, although every user needs privacy, the issue is particularly sensitive for minors—despite attempts to raise their awareness, children still behave recklessly online.

I have always been highly concerned about privacy. On Tuenti, the default privacy setting on every user account is the highest available level of data protection. Only people the user has accepted as a “friend” can access their personal details, see their telephone number, or download their pictures. This means that, by default, user information is not accessible to third parties. In addition, users are supported by procedures for reporting abuse. Any user can report a profile or photograph that is abusive, inappropriate, or violates the terms of use: action is taken immediately. Security and privacy queries are resolved within 24 hours.

We need to be aware that different Internet platforms provide widely different privacy experiences. Some of them are entirely open and public; no steps whatsoever are taken to protect personal information, and all profiles are indexable by Internet search engines.

On the other hand, I think the debate about whether social media use should be subject to an age requirement is somewhat pointless, given that most globally active platforms operate without age restrictions. The European regulatory framework is quite different from the United States and Asian codes. Companies based in Europe are bound by rigorous policies on privacy and underage use of social media. This can become a competitive drawback when the ground rules do not apply equally to all players—our American and Japanese competitors, for instance, are not required to place any kind of age constraint on access.

Outside the scope of what the industry or regulators can do, it is vital that users themselves look after the privacy of their data. I believe the information is the user’s property, so the user is the only party entitled to control the collection, use, and disclosure of any information about him or herself. Some social networks seem to have forgotten this fact—they sell data, make it impossible to delete an account, or make it complex and difficult to manage one’s privacy settings. Everything should be a lot simpler and more transparent.

Social networks should continue to devote intense efforts to developing self-regulation mechanisms and guidelines for this new environment of online coexistence to ensure that user information is safe: the Internet should be a space for freedom, but also for trust. The main way of ensuring that social media are used appropriately is awareness. But awareness and user education will be of little use unless it becomes an absolute requirement that the privacy of the individual is treated as a universal value.

The Internet and Culture

As in the sphere of education, the development of information and communication technologies and the wide-ranging effects of globalization are changing what we are, and the meaning of cultural identity. Ours is a complex world in which cultural flows across borders are always on the rise. The concepts of space, time, and distance are losing their conventional meanings. Cultural globalization is here, and a global movement of cultural processes and initiatives is underway.

Again, in the cultural arena, vast fields of opportunity open up thanks to online tools. The possibilities are multiplied for disseminating a proposal, an item of knowledge, or a work of art. Against those doomsayers who warn that the Internet is harming culture, I am radically optimistic. The Internet is bringing culture closer to more people, making it more easily and quickly accessible; it is also nurturing the rise of new forms of expression for art and the spread of knowledge. Some would say, in fact, that the Internet is not just a technology, but a cultural artifact in its own right.

In addition to its impact on culture itself, the Internet is enormously beneficial for innovation, which brings progress in all fields of endeavor—the creation of new goods, services, and ideas, the advance of knowledge and society, and increasing well-being.

The Internet and Personal Relationships

The Internet has also changed the way we interact with our family, friends, and life partners. Now everyone is connected to everyone else in a simpler, more accessible, and more immediate way; we can conduct part of our personal relationships using our laptops, smart phones, and tablets.

The benefits of always-online immediate availability are highly significant. I would find a long-distance relationship with my life partner or my family unthinkable without the communication tools that the network of networks provides me with. I’m living in Madrid, but I can stay close to my brother in California. For me, that is the key plus of the Internet: keeping in touch with the people who really matter to me.

As we have seen, the Internet revolution is not just technological; it also operates at a personal level, and throughout the structure of society. The Internet makes it possible for an unlimited number of people to communicate with one another freely and easily, in an unrestricted way.

Just a century ago, this was unimaginable. An increasing number of couples come together, stay together, or break up with the aid—or even as a consequence—of social communication tools. There are even apps and social networks out there that are purposely designed to help people get together for sex.

Of course, when compared to face-to-face communication, online communication is severely limited in the sense impressions it can convey (an estimated 60 to 70 percent of human communication takes place nonverbally), which can lead to misunderstandings and embarrassing situations—no doubt quite a few relationships have floundered as a result. I think the key is to be genuine, honest, and real at all times, using all the social media tools and their many advantages. Let’s just remember that a liar and a cheat online is a liar and a cheat offline too.

The Internet and Social and Political Activism

Even before the emergence of social media, pioneering experiments took place in the political sphere—like  Essembly , a project I was involved in. We started to create a politically themed platform to encourage debate and provide a home for social and political causes; but the social networks that have later nurtured activism in a new way were not as yet in existence.

Research has shown that young people who voice their political opinions on the Internet are more inclined to take part in public affairs. The better informed a citizen is, the more likely they will step into the polling booth, and the better they will express their political liberties. The Internet has proved to be a decisive communication tool in the latest election campaigns. It is thanks to the Internet that causes in the social, welfare, ideological, and political arenas have been spoken up for and have won the support of other citizens sharing those values—in many cases, with a real impact on government decision making.

The Internet and Consumer Trends

New technologies increase the speed of information transfer, and this opens up the possibility of “bespoke” shopping. The Internet offers an immense wealth of possibilities for buying content, news, and leisure products, and all sorts of advantages arise from e-commerce, which has become a major distribution channel for goods and services. You can book airline tickets, get a T-shirt from Australia, or buy food at an online grocery store. New applications support secure business transactions and create new commercial opportunities.

In this setting, it is the consumer who gains the upper hand, and the conventional rules and methods of distribution and marketing break down. Consumers’ access to information multiplies, and their reviews of their experience with various products and services take center stage. Access to product comparisons and rankings, user reviews and comments, and recommendations from bloggers with large followings have shaped a new scenario for consumer behavior, retail trade, and the economy in general.

The Internet and the Economy

The Internet is one of the key factors driving today’s economy. No one can afford to be left behind. Even in a tough macroeconomic framework, the Internet can foster growth, coupled with enhanced productivity and competitiveness.

The Internet provides opportunities for strengthening the economy: How should we tackle them? While Europe—and Spain specifically—are making efforts to make the best possible use of the Internet, there are areas in which their approach needs to improve. Europe faces a major challenge, and risks serious failure if it lets the United States run ahead on its own. The European Commission, in its “Startup Manifesto,” suggests that the Old World be more entrepreneur-friendly—the proposal is backed by companies like Spotify and Tuenti. Europe lacks some of the necessary know-how. We need to improve in financial services and in data privacy, moving past the obsolete regulatory framework we now have and making a bid to achieve a well-connected continent with a single market for 4G mobile connections. We need to make it easier to hire talent outside each given country.

The use of e-commerce should be encouraged among small and medium-sized enterprises so that growth opportunities can be exploited more intensely. Following the global trend of the Internet, companies should internalize their online business. And much more emphasis should be placed on new technologies training in the academic and business spheres.

Modern life is global, and Spain is competing against every other country in the world. I do not believe in defeatism or victim culture. Optimism should not translate into callousness, but I sincerely believe that if you think creatively, if you find a different angle, if you innovate with a positive attitude and without fear of failure, then you can change things for the better. Spain needs to seize the moment to reinvent itself, grasping the opportunities offered up by the online world. We need to act, take decisions, avoid “paralysis through analysis.” I sometimes feel we are too inclined to navel-gazing: Spain shuts itself off, fascinated with its own contradictions and local issues, and loses its sense of perspective. Spain should open up to the outside, use the crisis as an opportunity to do things differently, in a new way—creating value, underlining its strengths, aspiring to be something more.

In the United States, for instance, diving headfirst into a personal Internet-related startup is regarded as perfectly normal. I’m glad to see that this entrepreneurial spirit is beginning to take hold here as well. I believe in working hard, showing perseverance, keeping your goals in view, surrounding yourself with talent, and taking risks. No risk, no success. We live in an increasingly globalized world: of course you can have a Spain-based Internet startup, there are no frontiers.

We need to take risks and keep one step ahead of the future. It is precisely the most disruptive innovations that require radical changes in approach and product, which might not even find a market yet ready for them—these are the areas providing real opportunities to continue being relevant, to move forward and “earn” the future, creating value and maintaining leadership. It is the disruptive changes that enable a business, product, or service to revolutionize the market—and, particularly in the technology sector, such changes are a necessity.

The Future of Social Communications, Innovation, Mobile Technologies, and Total Connectivity in Our Lives

The future of social communications will be shaped by an  always-online  culture.  Always online  is already here and will set the trend going forward. Total connectivity, the Internet you can take with you wherever you go, is growing unstoppably. There is no turning back for global digitalization.

Innovation is the driving force of growth and progress, so we need to shake up entrenched processes, products, services, and industries, so that all of us together—including established businesses, reacting to their emerging competitors—can move forward together.

Innovation is shaping and will continue to shape the future of social communications. It is already a reality that Internet connections are increasingly mobile. A survey we conducted in early 2013 in partnership with Ipsos found that 94 percent of Tuenti users aged 16 to 35 owned cell phones, 84 percent of users connected to the Internet using their phones, and 47 percent had mobile data subscriptions for connecting to the Internet. A total of 74 percent of users reported connecting to the Internet from their phone on a daily basis, while 84 percent did so at least weekly. Only 13 percent did not use their phones to connect to the Internet, and that percentage is decreasing every day.

Mobile Internet use alters the pattern of device usage; the hitherto familiar ways of accessing the Internet are changing too. The smartphone activities taking up the most time (over three hours a day) include instant messaging (38%), social media use (35%), listening to music (24%), and web browsing (20%). The activities taking up the least time (under five minutes a day) are: SMS texting (51%), watching movies (43%), reading and writing e-mail (38%), and talking on the phone (32%). Things are still changing.

Smartphones are gaining ground in everyday life. Many of the purposes formerly served by other items now involve using our smartphones. Some 75 percent of young people reported having replaced their MP3 player with their phone, 74 percent use their phone as an alarm clock, 70 percent use it as their camera, and 67 percent use it as their watch.

We have been observing these shifts for a while, which is why we decided to reinvent ourselves by placing smartphones at the heart of our strategy. I want to use this example as a showcase of what is happening in the world of social communication and the Internet in general: mobile connectivity is bringing about a new revolution. Tuenti is no longer just a social network, and social media as a whole are becoming more than just websites. The new Tuenti provides native mobile apps for Android, iPhone, Blackberry, Windows Phone, as well as the Firefox OS app and the mobile version of the website, m.tuenti.com. Tuenti is now a cross-platform service that lets users connect with their friends and contacts from wherever they may be, using their device of choice. A user with a laptop can IM in real time with a user with a smartphone, and switch from one device to another without losing the thread of the conversation. The conversations are in the cloud, so data and contacts are preserved independently of the devices being used. This means the experience has to be made uniform across platforms, which sometimes involves paring down functionalities, given the processing and screen size limitations of mobile devices. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and so on are all evolving to become increasingly cross-platform experiences. But Tuenti is the first social network that has also developed its own Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO)—the company is an Internet service provider over the mobile network. Tuenti is an MVNO with a social media angle, and this may be the future path of telecommunications.

Social media are evolving to become something more, and innovation must be their hallmark if they are to continue being relevant. Tuenti now embraces both social communications and telecom services provision, offering value added by letting you use the mobile app free of charge and without using up your data traffic allowance, even if you have no credit on your prepaid card—this is wholly revolutionary in the telecom sector. The convergence of social media with more traditional sectors is already bringing about a new context for innovation, a new arena for the development and growth of the Internet.

Just about everything in the world of the Internet still lies ahead of us, and mobile communications as we know them must be reinvented by making them more digital. The future will be shaped by innovation converging with the impact of mobility. This applies not just to social media but to the Internet in general, particularly in the social communications field. I feel that many people do not understand what we are doing and have no idea of the potential development of companies like ours at the global level. Right now, there may be somebody out there, in some corner of the world, developing the tool that will turn the Internet upside down all over again. The tool that will alter our day-to-day life once more. Creating more opportunities, providing new benefits to individuals, bringing more individual and collective well-being. Just ten years ago, social media did not exist; in the next ten years, something else radically new will emerge. There are many areas in which products, processes, and services can be improved or created afresh. The future is brimming with opportunities, and the future of the Internet has only just begun.

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Essay on How Technology Changed Our Lives

Students are often asked to write an essay on How Technology Changed Our Lives in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on How Technology Changed Our Lives

The advent of technology.

Technology has revolutionized our lives in many ways. It has made tasks easier, faster, and more efficient. We use technology in our daily activities, from cooking to communicating.

Communication and Technology

Education and technology.

Technology has also transformed education. It has made learning more interactive and accessible. With online classes, students can learn from home.

Healthcare and Technology

In healthcare, technology has improved diagnosis and treatment. It has made healthcare more effective and convenient.

250 Words Essay on How Technology Changed Our Lives

Technology has revolutionized our world, transforming every aspect of our lives. It has brought about a digital revolution, making tasks easier, faster, and more efficient. From communication to transportation, health to education, technology has permeated every sphere of human life.

Impact on Communication

The advent of smartphones and the internet has revolutionized communication. We can now connect with anyone, anywhere, anytime, breaking geographical boundaries. Social media platforms, video conferencing, and instant messaging apps have not only made communication instantaneous but also fostered global connections and collaborations.

Transformation in Transportation

Technology has also drastically changed transportation. With GPS technology, navigation has become easier and more precise. Electric cars and autonomous vehicles are on the rise, promising a future of sustainable and self-driving transportation.

Healthcare Advancements

In healthcare, technology has brought about advancements like telemedicine, wearable devices, and AI-driven diagnostics. These innovations have improved patient care, made health monitoring easier, and increased the accuracy of diagnoses.

Educational Innovations

The education sector has also seen significant changes with e-learning platforms, virtual classrooms, and digital resources. This has made education more accessible, interactive, and personalized.

500 Words Essay on How Technology Changed Our Lives

The advent of technology has revolutionized human life, transforming the world into a global village. It has impacted every facet of our existence, from communication to transportation, health to education, and entertainment to business.

Revolutionizing Communication

One of the most profound changes brought about by technology is in the field of communication. The invention of the internet and smartphones has made it possible to connect with anyone, anywhere, at any time. Social media platforms, emails, and video calls have removed geographical barriers, fostering global collaboration and understanding.

Transforming Transportation

The transportation industry has also been profoundly impacted by technology. Innovations like GPS and satellite technology have made navigation easier and more accurate. Electric and self-driving cars, still in their nascent stages, promise to revolutionize our commute, making it safer and more sustainable.

Advancements in Health and Medicine

Revamping education.

Education is another sector where technology has left an indelible mark. Online learning platforms, digital classrooms, and educational apps have democratized education, making it accessible to all. The recent pandemic has underscored the importance of technology in education, with schools and universities worldwide transitioning to remote learning.

Entertainment and Leisure

Impacting business and economy.

Lastly, technology has significantly influenced business operations and the global economy. E-commerce, digital marketing, and remote work have redefined traditional business models, promoting efficiency and inclusivity.

In conclusion, technology has dramatically altered our lives, reshaping the way we communicate, travel, learn, stay healthy, entertain ourselves, and conduct business. While it presents challenges, such as privacy concerns and digital divide, the benefits it offers are immense. As we move forward, it is essential to harness technology responsibly and ethically, ensuring it serves as a tool for progress and inclusivity.

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technology changes life essay

How Technology Changed my Life

How it works

The use of technology in life is unmeasurable, in today’s day and age the access to technology has provided an open door of endless opportunities. Technology may be the best tool to a constant changing world that thrives for survival. There are many positive aspects on how technology has positively helped society. Though technology can be both a blessing and a curse, it is undeniable that it has given us the option to be more productive and capable, the ability to access complex information quickly and effectively, and platform to keep an interconnected world through means of global communication.

In the past 60 years, technology has helped further innovation and produce so much more than anyone could have ever imagined. By harnessing technology, people have had the advantage to be more productive and capable to generate ideas that later lead to improvement of industry and new jobs. Jamais Cascio wrote in an article to The Atlantic, “Pandemics. Global warming. Food shortages. No more fossil fuels. What are humans to do? The same thing the species have done before: evolve to meet the challenge. But this time we don’t have to rely on natural evolution to make us smart enough to survive. .” (Para 4). There have been inventions that are necessary in order to prevent any catastrophic ruin. For example, scientist are working together and using the most advanced modern technologies as tools to warn people about the outset of tsunamis, tornados, hurricanes and volcano eruptions so that families may make arrangements to evacuate or protect themselves. In a world without opportunity to know in advance, disease and illness would be incurable and unmeasurable. According to the Pew Research Center of Science and Society, “Some 67% of Americans say science has had a most positive effect on society; the most common reasons cited are related to medicine and health (59% of this group), including improvements in medical research, quality and longevity of life, and treatment of disease.” (Para 4). Important infection and diseases that were untreatable in the past are now curable and preventable thanks to innovation. Utilizing transformative discoveries and diagnostics increase knowledge and understanding therefore this is able to boost intelligence. In the previous paraphrase Cascio mention food shortage. Genetically modified plants, fertilizers, equipment, irrigation, are all ways that technological advancements have allowed for the production of food to feed a growing population. Jobs are being created by the advancements in every field. Technology sparks the brain to work to its full potential by figuring out new ways to encourage innovation and creativity. According to Matthew Lynch, “Technology has enabled engineering students more opportunities than ever before by creating opportunities to build virtual models of their devices, programs, robots, and other gadgets.” (Para 2) Technology has changed the outlook in education. The current generations have the ability to learn while watching videos, playing educational games, or storing and recording on class lectures. Today, students are combining technology with inspiration, to create a wealth of resources and information available globally. In Everything Bad Is Good for You, the author Steven Johnson argues that “Even pulp-television shows and video games have become extraordinarily dense with detail, filled with subtle references to broader subjects, and more open to interactive engagement.” He says that scientists describe these new skills as our “fluid intelligence”—the ability to find meaning in confusion and to solve new problems, independent of acquired knowledge. Fluid intelligence doesn’t look much like the capacity to memorize and recite facts, the skills that people have traditionally associated with brain power. (Page 47) Todays generation has the ability to solve new problems and situations in different ways instead of using the learned knowledge and experiences. It is a new way of logic in various types of situations.

Many people would say technology has mostly played a negative effect on society. The leading reason for this perspective is the feeling that technology has made it harder for the human mind to retain large amounts of information and are more dependable on the storage from a phone. Anxieties were given by Nicholas Carr in article “Is Google Making Us Stupid?” (July/August 2008 Atlantic). Carr argued that “Internet medium is effectively rewiring our brains, making it harder for us to engage in deep, relaxed contemplation.” (Para 6) It is no secret that when using the web, people are more interested in the quick gathering access of information instead of deeply understanding the information they gather. It may be the reason information is no longer retained in the mind in which makes many dependable in the phone. If the Internet is used excessively without much interaction, it can play negative effects on anyones cognitive and interpersonal skills. It is clear that the two sides of this issue contrast but these problems can be easily solved. First, limiting the use of the internet to 2-3 hours a day would be highly recommended to keep the mind relaxed.. Second, blocking pop-up adds would get rid of the distractions that may find it difficult to focus. Lastly, it would be beneficial to take notes in paper so that it may be easier to retain information in the brain. Thinking much harder about what to choose to do is a matter of individuality and positivity.

Technology enables communication with people all around the world through instant text messaging and video messaging. This benefits the environment because it leads to awareness about political, environmental, and global issues. Dave Parrack wrote in his article The Positive Impact of Social Networking Sites on Society, “As with most things in life, there are positive and negative sides to social networking, both of which we have now explored. My ultimate belief is that when used in moderation, with checks and balances on how younger people in particular are using them, social networking sites are neither good or evil. They’re somewhere in between. By sharing interactions in social media, society is able to emphasize and communicate in a speedy and efficient manner about any issues going around globally. With the help of one another, society is able to protect one another and speak out about injustices and current issues going around. Back in the day, people only knew about what was going on in their town. Computer screens are simply just a tool for information and expression.

Though modern technology can be both a blessing and a curse, it is undeniable that it has given us the option to be more productive and capable, the ability to access complex information quickly and effectively, and platform to keep an interconnected world through means of global communication. Studies have found that students who have easy access to information do better in life. Technology opens exciting doors and possibilities to many, offers an increased amount of knowledge and understanding, improves industry with new jobs, and maintains ongoing communication and exchange of ideas. It is clear that there will always be opposition to everything, let’s make the best out

Works Cited:

Cascio, Jamais. “Get Smarter” Technology, July 2009, pp. 1–8., www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2009/07/get-smarter/307548/.

Lynch, Matthew. “How Technology Can Expand Creativity and Innovation in Education.” 14 Aug. 2018, www.theedadvocate.org/how-technology-can-expand-creativity-and-innovation-in-education/.

Parrack, Dave. “The Positive Impact of Social Networking Sites on Society.” 28 June, 2017, https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/positive-impact-social-networking-sites-society

Johnson, Steven. “Everything Bad Is Good for You: How Today’s Popular Culture Is Actually Making Us Smarter.” Riverhead Books, 2006.  

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Free How Technology Has Changed Our Lives Essay Sample

Type of paper: Essay

Topic: Technology , Internet , Information , Computers , Society , World , Food , Life

Words: 1600

Published: 02/24/2020

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Introduction

Technology is a small word that has made huge impacts on our lives. Without even noticing, we use technology in many ways. It has somehow affected every single living organism on this planet. And with the many recently developments, the pace of the boom in technology has risen too. From the start of scientific discoveries till today, the human race has seen so many changes that it is uncountable. Electricity is said to be discovered in the early 18th century. Then Einstein’s theories of relativity changed the whole perspective in the 19 century.

But how exactly has technology impacted us today? What changes has it made in our lives today? Has it proven to be better to be technologically civilized? Or have we made the wrong decision and inevitably going towards our doom? Today we have contrasting opinions on what the impact of technology has done to our society and generation. There are countless positive effects but at the same time we are now experiencing many negative effects of technology as well. This How technology has changed our lives essay is devoted to those questions.

The Positive Ways How Technology has Changed Our Lives

If we take a glance around us, we see many things that are available to us only because of technology. In almost every place we go, we find light and electricity. We see electronic devices that have made work easier for us humans. Just by pressing a button our dishes are washed, our clothes are washed and our food is heated. Because of technology, pour homes are warm and cozy in the winters and cool and breezy in the summers. Because of electronic; technology, we now have refrigerators to store our food so that we can use it for longer periods of time.

Talking about food, there has also been a huge development advancement in the chemical and food industry. Scientists have come up with great preservatives and methods that are used to keep food safe and give them a longer shelf life. Even milk can be stored for months. Hi tech purification plants are now being used to purify milk in an automatic way so that the vitamins and mineral are not wasted whereas all the harmful bacteria are removed. Similar water purification plants and systems have made it easier for most people to have access to cleaner better water.

Then there is the field of logistics and aviation that has been influenced by technology very much. In the past centuries, ships were the only means of transport to other areas of the world. Now we have a great aviation system that can take you to any corner of the world with ease. Air travel is considered to be the safest travelling mode till date. The field of logistics deals with the delivery of goods and packages across the world. The technological advancement in aviation has given boom to this industry as well. Now businesses can easily expand their businesses worldwide and ship their products to the customers without any hassle.

In today’s society the one invention that has the biggest impact on our society and which has totally changed the way we work, think and process is the computer technology and internet. Computers have made processing so simple and fast. Also, when the invention was first made, a single computer needed many acres of space. However, now a computer can be as small as a palm. With the automation of many programs, we have now fewer chances of errors. The internet has provided humans across the planet with unlimited amount of information. We now have access to tons and tons of the latest research and developments. Digital information has not only given us access to new information but that information is used constructively to develop new theories and technologies.

The internet has changed the lives of many people around the world by offering the fastest communication modes thinkable. A picture, letter can be sent to your loved one in just seconds. With the help of technology people have become so close to their friends and families living abroad. Internet has also changes the lives of many people by offering many job opportunities that we could not even think of before internet. Outsourcing your work is made more convenient with the technological advancement of the internet.

When we see how doctors and physicians have made use of technology and completely altered it, we are dumbstruck. Doctors sitting thousands of miles away can control robotic arms to perform surgeries and procedures on patients. Residents take help in the same way from their mentors during difficult procedures. Also, if any groundbreaking surgery is being performed, it is telecasted live through the internet so that doctors around the world can learn the latest discovery in the field of medicine. The drugs are also developed after more research and testing which makes them more effective.

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The Negative Ways How Technology has Changed Our Lives

In almost every sector of our lives, technology has a huge impact not only on the society but on a personal level. But there is the side of the coin as well. While we cannot count the many bounties of technology, there are a few negative ways that it has influenced us.

The biggest drawback of technology is that it is starting to take a toll on our health. With the excessive use of technology designed to make our lives easier, it has been noted that our body is beginning to show signs of retirement. The body has been designed to perform well under pressure. It starts to jam up if it is not used positively. If all our daily work chores are being done by technological devices, then we spend the day switching the television channels. Technology use is directly being linked to harmful diseases like obesity, diabetes, stress, depression, fatigue, cancer and much more.

Our children no longer need parks and recreational centers to spend their time. A single computer or mobile phone is all they ask for. Internet has made us closer to the digital global community but is taking us far from our family living in the same house and our next door neighbors. Research has shown that internet has also made today’s society in able to made conversation face-to-face. They are comfortable being online and hiding behind fake identities but presenting themselves in person is becoming hard. Also, with the excessive amounts of information, there is no check or balance. Information travels at the speed of light. It is hard to differentiate the right from the wrong. Students are more inclined towards plagiarism, cheating and other unethical practices. Technology is teaching them to find a shortcut.

Pornography and unethical content is easily accessible to anyone having access to the internet. Without the implementation of strict regulations and consequences from the government, the society will continue to drown in the ocean of unmonitored information.

Being technologically civilized is also affecting the environment which in a way affects the society. Our factories, plants, transportation means all emit harmful gases into the atmosphere that will have a huge negative impact on us. More and more natural resources are being used up fast to accommodate for the excessive needs of humans of this century. As much as we had invented technology to help us, it can now be felt that the society is being controlled by technology.

There is no doubt that technology affects us no matter what our status symbol is, it does no care what country, race or age I belong to. At one corner, technology is coming up with newer and faster ways to save lives while in the other corner; technology has enabled people to make more destructive bombs and guns.

The level of impact that technology has on the society and an individual can vary and depends on how strong regulations are administered. There is a need to balance the use of technology so that it helps your life become easier without having any negative effects. Technology has helped us reach the stars. This clearly shows that that there are no bounds to where technology can take us and what it can do. It is important to regulate advancements in technology. It should be made sure that it is beneficial to the human race and will not be a threat to our future generations.

Works Cited

Computer Fix Made Easy. "10 Advantages of Using the Internet." 2011. Computer Fix Made Easy. 7 December 2013 <http://www.computer-fix-made-easy.com/2011/07/ten-advantages-of-using-internet.html>. KONTAKOS, PETE. "The Role of Information Technology in Logistics." 26 June 2012. Food Logistics. 7 December 2013 <http://www.foodlogistics.com/blog/10734790/the-role-of-information-technology-in-logistics>. NUEZ, JESSIE. "6 Negative Effects of Technology Has On Kids." 9 August 2013. Babble. 7 December 2013 <http://www.babble.com/tech/6-negative-effects-technology-has-on-kids/>. The Electricity Forum. "Who Invented Electricity." 2013. The Electricity Forum. 7 Decemeber 2013 <http://www.electricityforum.com/who-invented-electricity.html>. Volpi, David. "Heavy Technology Use Linked to Fatigue, Stress and Depression in Young Adults." 2 August 2012. Huffington Post. 7 December 2013 <http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-volpi-md-pc-facs/technology-depression_b_1723625.html>.

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  • Technology Essay

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Essay on Technology

The word "technology" and its uses have immensely changed since the 20th century, and with time, it has continued to evolve ever since. We are living in a world driven by technology. The advancement of technology has played an important role in the development of human civilization, along with cultural changes. Technology provides innovative ways of doing work through various smart and innovative means. 

Electronic appliances, gadgets, faster modes of communication, and transport have added to the comfort factor in our lives. It has helped in improving the productivity of individuals and different business enterprises. Technology has brought a revolution in many operational fields. It has undoubtedly made a very important contribution to the progress that mankind has made over the years.

The Advancement of Technology:

Technology has reduced the effort and time and increased the efficiency of the production requirements in every field. It has made our lives easy, comfortable, healthy, and enjoyable. It has brought a revolution in transport and communication. The advancement of technology, along with science, has helped us to become self-reliant in all spheres of life. With the innovation of a particular technology, it becomes part of society and integral to human lives after a point in time.

Technology is Our Part of Life:

Technology has changed our day-to-day lives. Technology has brought the world closer and better connected. Those days have passed when only the rich could afford such luxuries. Because of the rise of globalisation and liberalisation, all luxuries are now within the reach of the average person. Today, an average middle-class family can afford a mobile phone, a television, a washing machine, a refrigerator, a computer, the Internet, etc. At the touch of a switch, a man can witness any event that is happening in far-off places.  

Benefits of Technology in All Fields: 

We cannot escape technology; it has improved the quality of life and brought about revolutions in various fields of modern-day society, be it communication, transportation, education, healthcare, and many more. Let us learn about it.

Technology in Communication:

With the advent of technology in communication, which includes telephones, fax machines, cellular phones, the Internet, multimedia, and email, communication has become much faster and easier. It has transformed and influenced relationships in many ways. We no longer need to rely on sending physical letters and waiting for several days for a response. Technology has made communication so simple that you can connect with anyone from anywhere by calling them via mobile phone or messaging them using different messaging apps that are easy to download.

Innovation in communication technology has had an immense influence on social life. Human socialising has become easier by using social networking sites, dating, and even matrimonial services available on mobile applications and websites.

Today, the Internet is used for shopping, paying utility bills, credit card bills, admission fees, e-commerce, and online banking. In the world of marketing, many companies are marketing and selling their products and creating brands over the internet. 

In the field of travel, cities, towns, states, and countries are using the web to post detailed tourist and event information. Travellers across the globe can easily find information on tourism, sightseeing, places to stay, weather, maps, timings for events, transportation schedules, and buy tickets to various tourist spots and destinations.

Technology in the Office or Workplace:

Technology has increased efficiency and flexibility in the workspace. Technology has made it easy to work remotely, which has increased the productivity of the employees. External and internal communication has become faster through emails and apps. Automation has saved time, and there is also a reduction in redundancy in tasks. Robots are now being used to manufacture products that consistently deliver the same product without defect until the robot itself fails. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning technology are innovations that are being deployed across industries to reap benefits.

Technology has wiped out the manual way of storing files. Now files are stored in the cloud, which can be accessed at any time and from anywhere. With technology, companies can make quick decisions, act faster towards solutions, and remain adaptable. Technology has optimised the usage of resources and connected businesses worldwide. For example, if the customer is based in America, he can have the services delivered from India. They can communicate with each other in an instant. Every company uses business technology like virtual meeting tools, corporate social networks, tablets, and smart customer relationship management applications that accelerate the fast movement of data and information.

Technology in Education:

Technology is making the education industry improve over time. With technology, students and parents have a variety of learning tools at their fingertips. Teachers can coordinate with classrooms across the world and share their ideas and resources online. Students can get immediate access to an abundance of good information on the Internet. Teachers and students can access plenty of resources available on the web and utilise them for their project work, research, etc. Online learning has changed our perception of education. 

The COVID-19 pandemic brought a paradigm shift using technology where school-going kids continued their studies from home and schools facilitated imparting education by their teachers online from home. Students have learned and used 21st-century skills and tools, like virtual classrooms, AR (Augmented Reality), robots, etc. All these have increased communication and collaboration significantly. 

Technology in Banking:

Technology and banking are now inseparable. Technology has boosted digital transformation in how the banking industry works and has vastly improved banking services for their customers across the globe.

Technology has made banking operations very sophisticated and has reduced errors to almost nil, which were somewhat prevalent with manual human activities. Banks are adopting Artificial Intelligence (AI) to increase their efficiency and profits. With the emergence of Internet banking, self-service tools have replaced the traditional methods of banking. 

You can now access your money, handle transactions like paying bills, money transfers, and online purchases from merchants, and monitor your bank statements anytime and from anywhere in the world. Technology has made banking more secure and safe. You do not need to carry cash in your pocket or wallet; the payments can be made digitally using e-wallets. Mobile banking, banking apps, and cybersecurity are changing the face of the banking industry.

Manufacturing and Production Industry Automation:

At present, manufacturing industries are using all the latest technologies, ranging from big data analytics to artificial intelligence. Big data, ARVR (Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality), and IoT (Internet of Things) are the biggest manufacturing industry players. Automation has increased the level of productivity in various fields. It has reduced labour costs, increased efficiency, and reduced the cost of production.

For example, 3D printing is used to design and develop prototypes in the automobile industry. Repetitive work is being done easily with the help of robots without any waste of time. This has also reduced the cost of the products. 

Technology in the Healthcare Industry:

Technological advancements in the healthcare industry have not only improved our personal quality of life and longevity; they have also improved the lives of many medical professionals and students who are training to become medical experts. It has allowed much faster access to the medical records of each patient. 

The Internet has drastically transformed patients' and doctors’ relationships. Everyone can stay up to date on the latest medical discoveries, share treatment information, and offer one another support when dealing with medical issues. Modern technology has allowed us to contact doctors from the comfort of our homes. There are many sites and apps through which we can contact doctors and get medical help. 

Breakthrough innovations in surgery, artificial organs, brain implants, and networked sensors are examples of transformative developments in the healthcare industry. Hospitals use different tools and applications to perform their administrative tasks, using digital marketing to promote their services.

Technology in Agriculture:

Today, farmers work very differently than they would have decades ago. Data analytics and robotics have built a productive food system. Digital innovations are being used for plant breeding and harvesting equipment. Software and mobile devices are helping farmers harvest better. With various data and information available to farmers, they can make better-informed decisions, for example, tracking the amount of carbon stored in soil and helping with climate change.

Disadvantages of Technology:

People have become dependent on various gadgets and machines, resulting in a lack of physical activity and tempting people to lead an increasingly sedentary lifestyle. Even though technology has increased the productivity of individuals, organisations, and the nation, it has not increased the efficiency of machines. Machines cannot plan and think beyond the instructions that are fed into their system. Technology alone is not enough for progress and prosperity. Management is required, and management is a human act. Technology is largely dependent on human intervention. 

Computers and smartphones have led to an increase in social isolation. Young children are spending more time surfing the internet, playing games, and ignoring their real lives. Usage of technology is also resulting in job losses and distracting students from learning. Technology has been a reason for the production of weapons of destruction.

Dependency on technology is also increasing privacy concerns and cyber crimes, giving way to hackers.

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FAQs on Technology Essay

1. What is technology?

Technology refers to innovative ways of doing work through various smart means. The advancement of technology has played an important role in the development of human civilization. It has helped in improving the productivity of individuals and businesses.

2. How has technology changed the face of banking?

Technology has made banking operations very sophisticated. With the emergence of Internet banking, self-service tools have replaced the traditional methods of banking. You can now access your money, handle transactions, and monitor your bank statements anytime and from anywhere in the world. Technology has made banking more secure and safe.

3. How has technology brought a revolution in the medical field?

Patients and doctors keep each other up to date on the most recent medical discoveries, share treatment information, and offer each other support when dealing with medical issues. It has allowed much faster access to the medical records of each patient. Modern technology has allowed us to contact doctors from the comfort of our homes. There are many websites and mobile apps through which we can contact doctors and get medical help.

4. Are we dependent on technology?

Yes, today, we are becoming increasingly dependent on technology. Computers, smartphones, and modern technology have helped humanity achieve success and progress. However, in hindsight, people need to continuously build a healthy lifestyle, sorting out personal problems that arise due to technological advancements in different aspects of human life.

Technology In Our Life Today And How It Has Changed

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Technology In Our Life Today And How It Has ...

Over the years, technology has revolutionized our world and daily lives. Additionally, technology for seniors has created amazing tools and resources, putting useful information at our fingertips.

Modern technology has paved the way for multi-functional devices like the smartwatch and the smartphone. Computers are increasingly faster, more portable, and higher-powered than ever before. With all of these revolutions, technology has also made our lives easier, faster, better, and more fun.

group of colleagues using their smart phones

In this article, we’ll cover how technology has enhanced the quality of life for seniors lives in and out of the home. Technology’s advancements have provided quicker ways to communicate through instant messaging apps and social media platforms. Seniors are able to keep in touch with loved ones, while caregivers have new avenues to check in on aging parents or patients.

Technology has also given us brand new devices in recent decades, like smartwatches, tablets, and voice assistant devices. With these devices, we can do things like transfer money instantly and make purchases for everything from clothes, food delivery, groceries, furniture, and more. Technology has changed how we entertain ourselves, meet each other, and consume all types of media. It’s made fun advancements, but it’s also made important advancements in safety when it comes to home security and medical devices.

Those struggling with hearing loss can now benefit from  hearing aids , or  TV Listening Devices  that allow them to comfortably listen to their favorite programs with ease.

Especially for seniors, these devices are providing the freedom to age in place, to live independently, and to continue moving through everyday life with peace of mind. It opens up new opportunities by helping with safety, mobility and connectivity. Medical advancements have made it so you can stay proactive with conditions like diabetes and arthritis. With new medical alert devices, seniors can also get help at the push of a button and keep in touch with loved ones no matter where they are in the world.

Since there are so many new technologies to keep track of, it can seem overwhelming to adapt. However, all of these new technologies are designed to make your life easier. Even though it may not feel intuitive, learning how to use smart phones, smartwatches and voice assistants just takes a little bit of instruction and practice.

Four-in-ten seniors now own smartphones, more than double the share that did in 2013.

When it comes to the way we communicate overall, modern technology has had a powerful influence.

Digital technology has changed what people term as “media.” The influence of new technology on media is apparent since a media company isn’t necessarily a news platform anymore. A media company is now any company that helps pass information across the globe, including social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter.

The amount of active web users globally is now near 3.2 billion people.  That is almost half of the world’s population. Every day, two million smartphones are sold around the world, and the amount of information we share shared on social media networks is phenomenal.

how technology has changed living for seniors

Social media isn’t the only big statement digital technology has made. Neither is social media the only way technology has had an impact in everyone’s life.

Modern technology has made it possible for the discovery of many multi-functional devices like the smartwatch and the smartphone.

Before mobile technology, you had to search through a dictionary to understand the meaning of a word. Now you can look words up in a dictionary app or quickly search the Internet. Beyond words, you can search for practically anything on the Internet using search engines like Google and Bing.

how technology has changed our world

There is no denying that the future of technology will continue to revolutionize our lives. In a few years, driverless cars may be the norm for everyone, and robots will be commonplace in factories. Future technology is sure to transform our lives in unbelievable ways, but here we  highlight the many common ways technology is changing our lives today.

Technology Has Changed How We Communicate

In addition to social media platforms, there are also many other applications specifically designed for communication.

How has technology helped communication? The advancement of technology has made communication unbelievably fast and convenient. It’s incredible to look back and see how much easier communication has gotten over the years. Communication tools offer one of the most significant examples of how quickly technology has evolved.

In the past, writing a letter, sending faxes, or finding a wired telephone was the best way to communicate remotely with someone. To connect with someone in society today, you have many more efficient options at your fingertips. You can send them a message on social media, text them, video chat, email, or put a call through.

These new methods can help you keep in touch with loved ones, especially if you’re aging in place or living alone. Video chat helps caregivers check on seniors who may not need continual check-ups in person. Social media is a great way to keep in touch in general, allowing you to see what your loved ones are doing through the photos and updates they post.

technology has changed how we communicate

Social Media

Who hasn’t heard of Facebook, Twitter, or Skype? They’ve become household names. Even if you don’t use these platforms, they’re a part of everyday life and not going away anytime soon. Regardless of your location, messages via social media get delivered on these platforms at the same rate and speed whether the recipient is right beside you or on the other side of the globe. You can also send voice messages through these platforms, and it is delivered in nanoseconds.

Messaging Apps

The way we use mobile phones has changed dramatically as well. In addition to social media platforms, there are numerous other applications specifically designed for communication. If social media isn’t for you, WhatsApp and other messaging apps enable you to quickly message family and friends and even make calls over Wi-Fi.

You can email through your phone or send SMS text messages through your mobile provider, but many smartphones have their own messaging platforms built directly into the phone. On Apple iPhones, iMessage allows you communicate with anyone else who has an iPhone for free using WiFi or cellular data. iMessage has gotten increasingly sophisticated over the years. Sending photos, videos and emojis are just the basics with what you can do, and the platform has now expanded to include gaming, voice notes, and various app integrations to send information more quickly.

Messaging Apps can be a great option if you have friends in other countries or if you don’t have a phone plan.

The Evolution Of  Medical Alert System Technology

Within the last decade, medical emergency response systems have seen some impressive advancements, both in terms of technology and in safety measures that have made seniors feel safer than ever before. One of the earliest and most important advancements has been the introduction of mobile medical alert systems. These systems allow users the freedom to leave their homes and live their normal lives, while still having the peace of mind that emergency help is available in case of an emergency. Several devices, such as the  Medical Guardian Mobile  2.0, allow users to set up a network of emergency contacts who can also view their whereabouts and be notified in case of an emergency.  

Recent advancements in medical alert technology also include a built-in fall detection feature. With this feature, special sensors in your medical alert pendant automatically detect when a fall occurs and send an alert to your monitoring call center. With new GPS and cellular technology, the operator can then determine where you fell, regardless of whether you can communicate your whereabouts or know the address. This technology allows the operators to then send emergency medical assistance to you more quickly, thus providing a great sense of security for yourself and your loved ones.

Hearing Aids Improve Quality Of Life 

The use of hearing aids allows people to maintain a happy, healthy life by reducing the strain caused by reduced hearing ability. According to a  study facilitated by the Better Hearing Institute , eight out of 10 hearing aid users report being satisfied with the changes that their hearing aids have made in their lives. Hearing aids allow users to engage in common daily activities that would otherwise be far more difficult – or even impossible– such as talking, watching TV and listening to music.  Hearing aids  can also help you have a better quality of life by assisting you in: 

  • Identifying speech and language in voices 
  • Being alert to what’s happening around you
  • Avoiding the need for assistance from others at all times
  • Having a sense of control over your life

Smartwatches

Communication has even evolved beyond mobile devices and personal computers. We can now send messages through tablets, voice assistants, smartwatches, and more. The smartwatch is a relatively new technology that captures almost all the capabilities of smartphones in a convenient touch-screen watch. You can receive notifications, track your activity, set alarms, and even call and text directly through these wearable devices.

Senior Man using MobileHelp Smart Watch Menu

Smartwatches can also serve as a way to communicate with emergency responders. Medical alert companies like  MobileHelp  and  Medical Guardian  have partnered with smartwatch developers or created proprietary technologies to provide seniors the safety of a medical alert right on their wrist. These watches include many of the same features as a typical smartwatch, such as activity tracking and personal messaging.

Even the makers of popular smartwatches on the market outside of the medical alert industry providing people the ability to communicate quickly in the case of an emergency. The Apple Watch Series 4 and its subsequent versions have built-in fall detection, which will automatically alert emergency assistance. In addition to its automatic response capabilities, Apple Watch technology also allows users to initiate an emergency call from any location worldwide manually. Apple’s Medical ID Health app can provide emergency responders access to your medical conditions and designated emergency contacts.

Technology allows us to communicate instantly with people in our neighborhoods or around the globe. This innovation not only keeps us connected but can help us live safer and healthier lives.

Make Sure Your Loved Ones Are Safe At Home

Updating your home is the first step toward aging in place comfortably. Professional home care services help seniors stay healthy at home.

Make Sure your Loved Ones are Safe at Home

Technology has changed how we pay bills and transfer money.

No more do you have to enter a bank to withdraw money or transfer it to someone. Many banks have already made transactions possible online and accessible to people everywhere. Companies like PayPal and Venmo have created platforms where people can send and receive money from any location using the Internet.

Paying bills has also become simplified thanks to technology. You can automatically schedule payments when they are due rather than having to remember to mail a check. With your cell phone and a banking app, you can manage all of your necessary bill payments online.

Setting up automated payments through a banking app is especially helpful for seniors who may have memory problems. Caregivers or loved ones can help set up recurring bill payments so there’s never a question if a bill will be paid on time or not.

Technology has changed money

It’s even simple to pay for things using only your smartphone. With Apple Pay and Google Wallet, you don’t need to carry cash when you go shopping. These apps securely link your bank account to your mobile phone. The same machines you use to swipe your credit card at the store now allow mobile payments from your phone.

Keeping up with all of these innovations may seem like a hassle, but these technologies can simplify your life to help you worry about fewer things. With all of the payment capabilities available these days, you could leave home without your wallet and be just fine.

Technology Has Changed How We Watch TV

Technology has changed how we watch television today. Cable companies are continuously rolling out new features allowing viewers to pause and rewind live TV and record their favorite programs to watch later.

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With your mobile devices, you can watch, or “stream” the tv shows you want, when you want, and how you want. Streaming services like  Netflix ,  Hulu , and  Amazon Prime   Video  all offer access to cable TV shows and original content for a low monthly price. Disney is also getting into the streaming game, with the recent announcement of their new streaming service  Disney+ . Streaming is just another way to watch your favorite shows, but it uses the Internet instead of cable. It can be a more cost-effective way to watch television. Unlike traditional cable tv packages, you don’t have to pay for large cable bundles with channels you don’t use. Streaming services offer movies and TV shows that are grouped by genre, making it easy to find your favorites.

With streaming, you can watch on the go – all you need is an Internet connection. Many of the streaming services we listed above have mobile applications that allow you to download content directly to your device. This option allows you to watch even if you go somewhere without Internet access.

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tech has changed the way we watch tv

More and more TVs these days are even designed for streaming. “Smart TVs” have Wi-Fi capability, which allows them to connect to streaming services using the Internet. Smart TVs will enable you to access more programs and even save money. With a Smart TV, you can access both streaming services and cable channels. To save money, you can also opt-out of cable altogether. It all depends on your budget and what you enjoy watching.

New TVs are also capable of displaying picture quality far beyond what you’ve experienced in the past. A standard definition TV displays 720 horizontal pixels. Today, it’s more common for TVs to have 4k resolution, which is 4,000 horizontal pixels. That means TVs today show a picture with nearly 6x more definition than standard-definition TVs making for a much better viewing experience and can make your favorite shows and movies that much more enjoyable.

Seniors who suffer from hearing loss can benefit from using a  TV Listening Device  that provides superior sound quality, enhancing the overall TV viewing experience. 

How Has Technology Changed Other Forms Of Entertainment?

Paper books aren’t going anywhere. However, e-reader devices have made reading easier when you’re on the go. An e-reader device like a Kindle or Nook can hold thousands of books without taking up space in your home. It’s a great way to have multiple options on hand if you’re going on a trip or vacation.

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  • Built-in adjustable light – read day and night
  • No screen glare, even in bright sunlight, unlike tablets
  • A single battery charge lasts weeks, not hours

Audio books are an especially great way to enjoy classic and new books alike. Though you’re not reading, you’re still able to consume a great story through an audiobook. For aging seniors, audio books are great when it becomes more challenging to read the small type in books.

technology has changed how we read

When it comes to music, technology has also helped consolidate the devices we use. We can access our music no matter where we are. In the same vein as books, vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, and other physical albums will always have their place. They serve a unique purpose in enjoying music. However, just as it’s possible to stream movies and TV shows, you can also stream your favorite songs and albums.

Platforms like Spotify and Apple Music have made it possible to access millions of artists all at a monthly fee. While it isn’t the same as owning your favorite album, streaming allows you the opportunity to listen to music easily. The number of devices with music streaming capabilities continues to grow. You can use your smartphone, computer, car, portable speakers, and even TVs to listen to your favorite songs.

Technology Has Changed How We Date

How has the Internet improved our lives? One way is through the ease of meeting new people.

With the proliferation of online dating sites, you can register on a website, find a match, and start to communicate at your own pace. Many people don’t meet face to face until they decide there is a connection. This vetting helps you prioritize your time and protect your privacy while still getting to know someone new.

With the proliferation of online dating sites, you can register on a website, find a match and start to communicate at your own pace.

For better or worse, technology has also made it possible for you to find other people’s personal information on the Internet through social media. You can gain access to the information you want to know about a particular person. Some people who aren’t used to social media may view this as an unnecessary new part of life. However, it’s helpful to get to know people and keep up with them through busy schedules. Especially for seniors, online dating is useful during a stage of life where it’s typically more challenging to meet new people.

Online dating platforms have millions of registered users and have received lots of good reviews from every part of the world. Dating platforms have helped people connect with their matches in a way where neither party has to waste the other person’s time. It is comfortable, straightforward, safe, and it works.

technology has changed how we date

Technology Has Changed How We Live In and Outside of Our Homes

The internet of things allows everyday objects to be synced to the internet through Wi-Fi.

How Does The Internet Of Things Work With Home Devices?

All of the technology mentioned above has been made possible because of the Internet. New websites, platforms, and applications will continue to revolutionize the way we live our lives. However, the latest Internet technology isn’t always accessible on screens, and it’s called the Internet of Things (IoT). The Internet of Things allows everyday objects to be synced up to the Internet through Wi-Fi. This synching makes their usual functions accessible remotely and automated through data available on the world wide web. It may sound complicated, but it’s the same technology we’ve been using for years, just now accessible through different objects.

The  Internet of Things  can help to significantly improve aging in place and at-home safety, especially for seniors living with conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and arthritis. IoT devices are designed to monitor health at home, aid with mobility, and provide continuous monitoring.

Some examples of objects that use IoT today include driverless cars, fitness trackers like Fitbit, thermostats, and doorbells. Objects that use IoT are also commonly referred to as smart objects (think of smart TVs).

We’ll use the example of a  smart thermostat  to describe how it works. By connecting to the Internet, you’re able to use a smart thermostat remotely through your computer or smartphone. These systems usually have their own applications that you can open and control no matter where you are. For example, what if you’d like to cool the house down while you’re away? All you would have to do is open the smart thermostat app to tell it what to do.

technology changes life essay

Because these devices are so “smart,” you usually don’t need to do much when using them. The sensors on these thermostats are specifically designed to optimize your home for energy efficiency. Once you set your desired temperature, the thermostat can work on its own to keep your home at the best temperature. The thermostat won’t waste energy by staying on longer than needed.

Using Technology For Shopping

When you’re too busy or don’t want to leave home, online shopping is an easy way to buy what you need. You’re only a couple clicks away from getting the things you need thanks to the many options for online retail. There is no hassle and no need to make several trips to different stores.

If you aren’t as mobile as you used to be, online shopping makes it so everything you need can be delivered directly to your doorstep. While we still encourage as much daily exercise as possible, it can be too hectic and even hazardous sometimes for seniors to be out running so many errands.

Your average yard sale is even now online. With websites like  Craigslist  and  Facebook Marketplace , you can browse listings from people in your area. These are people who are looking to get rid of their used furniture, clothes, appliances, and more. Using these websites, you can view items based on what you need and your budget. Just like the technologies we listed above, these online marketplaces use secure payment methods that don’t require cash.

Using Voice Assistants

If smart devices seem overwhelming to you, there may be an easy solution: voice assistants. These include Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri. With a voice assistant, you can control all of the smart devices in your home and access the Internet by speaking voice commands. It’s as easy to use as having a conversation.

When it comes to shopping, these devices allow you to create a shopping list out loud and then have it automatically transferred to your phone. This makes the whole process easier for seniors with mobility issues with writing or who would rather speak out loud than make a list on a phone. Many of these devices even integrate directly with online shops. With the  Amazon Alexa , you can immediately make Amazon purchases without ever having to go online.

To make everything in your home easier to access, you can integrate your voice assistant with any smart device to make it accessible via your voice. If your home needs temperature adjusting or you want to turn some lights off, you can do it all through a series of simple voice commands.

Voice recognition for the elderly

They’re also handy to have inside your home for one of the most basic uses of the Internet – finding information. All you need to do is ask your voice assistant a question, and it will give you an answer found online.

Most phones these days are also equipped with different versions of voice assistants. If you’re hesitant about purchasing a unique voice assistant device, try testing out the software that lives on your phone. You can ask it to set reminders and alerts through your phone without having to search through settings. For seniors,  voice recognition software  can significantly improve the ability to live independently by making everyday tasks easier, aiding with medication reminders, and simply providing a more accessible, intuitive way to use technology.

Using Technology For Food Delivery

A lot of the technology we’ve already described helps make our lives easier by saving time and effort. Another example of this type of technology is food delivery. We all lead busy lives that could use some extra time. The ability to have things brought to your home is especially helpful for seniors or those with disabilities or sickness. One aspect of our lives that we often take for granted is the ability to head over to the grocery store.

Grocery Delivery

Food delivery can come in many different forms. Currently, many mobile apps allow you to order delivery from your favorite restaurants. We’re not talking about your standard pizza delivery. These apps pay people just like you to pick up takeout almost anywhere. A few examples of these apps include  Postmates ,  Uber Eats , and  DoorDash .

Many of these same apps and others offer grocery delivery, such as Instacart and Shipt. A lot of grocery stores like Walmart, Target, and Kroger even offer delivery or pick-up options. The  best grocery delivery plans for seniors  are helpful if you love to cook but can’t make it to the grocery store that often. It can also help if you find it difficult to leave the house but still want to make home-cooked meals.

technology has changed how we eat

Meal Kit Delivery

Lastly, you can also use subscription-based food delivery companies to get meals sent to your doorstep every week. These come in different forms. For example, companies like Blue Apron and HelloFresh deliver meal kits with all the ingredients for a set of recipes. It’s like getting customized groceries delivered with step-by-step instructions.  Meal kits can help seniors  by cutting out a lot of the preparation needed to make a meal. You still might need to do a little additional cutting and preparing, but it won’t be as intensive as going to the grocery store and starting from scratch.

Pre-Made Meal Delivery

If you don’t cook, some companies that deliver pre-made meals. Some examples of these companies include Magic Kitchen, Silver Cuisine, and The Good Kitchen. While frozen tends to mean less nutritious, these companies have put a lot of time and research into developing delicious recipes. They still taste great after being reheated yet also contain the nutritional value for different needs, including vegetarians, people with diabetes, and seniors. These options remove the need for time-consuming grocery shopping and cooking.

For seniors, it’s common to have particular nutritional needs as you age and start to live with deficiencies or conditions like diabetes.  Senior meal delivery companies  make it easy to stay healthy without sacrificing your mobility or personal time.

Using Technology In Transportation

Driverless cars.

Driverless cars have been in development for years, but this technology has yet to become commonplace. When it does, it will lead to fewer accidents on the road. It will also make transportation more accessible to everyone.  People will be able to use cars even if they have disabilities or live in areas without public transportation. Driverless cars will use sensors to understand when to brake, speed up, turn, and park.

Though this technology still has yet to be perfected, we’re already seeing examples of its early stages in most new cars today. Since the technology being used isn’t completely driverless yet, it’s called driver assist. Using cameras and sensors, this technology can help you park, detect blind spots, warn you if you’re merging into another lane, and even automate the entire parking process – even parallel parking. 

technology has changed how we travel

Ride Sharing

Until the development of technology for driverless cars is ready, people will still be using planes, trains, and regular automobiles to travel. Technology has made some of these options more accessible. One of the most popular types of apps used today is for ride sharing. Popular ride sharing apps companies like  Lyft  and  Uber . The technology in their apps allows people to hail a ride from anywhere, just like a taxi cab. The best part about these apps is that the driver is trackable from a GPS map. Rides are also accessible nearly everywhere, even in areas where there usually aren’t any taxis. The companies let everyday people with modern cars apply to become drivers. Once they pass a background test, they’re eligible to start giving rides through the app.

Some people are hesitant to take rides from strangers. For your security, the apps have rating systems in place to ensure the drivers are doing their jobs well. The companies also continually update their security measures to make sure riders are safe.

Using The Gig Economy

Transportation apps like these are also an excellent way for  seniors to make some extra money through the gig economy . What is the gig economy? When you’re on the other side of the app as a driver, you can set your schedule to fit your lifestyle and take as many or as few rides as you’d like. Aside from money, taking on a gig job can help keep you active through using technology, communicating daily with customers, and getting out around your town.

Technology Has Changed How We Stay Safe

For seniors or people with disabilities, IoT devices are some of the best technologies for keeping them safe at home.

One of the best ways technology has changed our lives is in keeping us safer. Through technology, we’re living longer than ever before. While there have been countless technology advances in hospitals and medicine, there are also new technologies we can use at home. These enhance our everyday lives with safety and protection.

technology has changed how we stay safe

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IoT Safety Devices

For seniors or people with disabilities, IoT devices are some of the best technologies for keeping them safe at home. One great example is  fall detection technology . Through wearables or floor and bed sensors, small devices are capable of knowing when someone falls. Once these sensors go off, caregivers are alerted through intercoms or mobile alerts.

Medical Alert Systems

Outside of IoT devices, simple medical alerts can keep the elderly or disabled safe. At its most basic level, a medical alert is usually a base station that comes with a wearable emergency button. The user presses the button when they need assistance, and a caregiver or loved one nearby is alerted to check on them.

Medical alert systems come as either monitored or non-monitored devices. A non-monitored device works as we described above, and a series of numbers are pre-programmed as emergency contacts. With non-monitored devices, you won’t be put in touch with 911 responders unless your emergency contacts call them for you.

Companies like  MobileHelp  and  Medical Guardian  provide monitored medical alert systems. These companies provide the medical alert equipment while also hosting a staff of remote monitoring operators (either outsourced or in-house). Typically, you don’t have to pay for the equipment, but the companies require a monthly fee to be able to provide the monitoring service.

Medical Guardian Medical Alert System

Monitored alert devices are a huge benefit to older adults or seniors staying home by themselves. The devices allow help to be only the click of a button away should family members or caregivers be too far or unable to assist. The monitored devices also sometimes come with connectivity apps so that family caregivers can stay up to date with senior care. The apps will show when emergency buttons are pressed and can also provide activity monitoring through home or wristband sensors.

Home Security Systems

Smart security systems at home can also keep you safe from intruders. When these alarms go off, they can begin recording with a camera around your home and will also alert security professionals. These systems also connect to an app that you can access on your phone. You can view live footage of what’s going on in your home or disable alarms remotely.

If you aren’t interested in a full security system, you can also make a one-time purchase on a security camera or security doorbell like Ring Doorbell and Nest Camera. These require easy installation to your front door and work by providing direct notifications to your home when it senses someone’s there. There’s even an intercom built in so you can communicate with visitors and see them through the camera without having to open the door.

For seniors who live alone, these simple devices offer much-needed security and can be especially helpful for seniors who aren’t always able to frequently get up and open the door.

Home or office security

How Technology Continues to Change

Technology is rapidly evolving to help seniors age in place as well as to help improve productivity and wellbeing for all. Some of the latest innovations for seniors include medical alert smartwatches, touch-screen systems, and wearable activity trackers.

Companies like MobileHelp and Medical Guardian offer  smartwatch medical alerts  for on-the-go safety and touch-screen alert systems to use in the home. These new technologies are designed to provide quick assistance and complete connectivity to keep seniors and their loved ones well-informed.

While these technologies are currently still reactive, innovations continually help them to be even more proactive. Some smartwatch companies have already incorporated  ECGs into their products  to monitor heart rate and detect abnormalities, which can help get people to the doctor well before it’s too late.

Medical technology alone is beginning to give more and more patients hope with  customizable medicine  and new non-invasive procedures to help with diagnosis.

When it comes to technology designed for the greater good, we also see vast improvements and innovations. Although already used in factories and militaries, Robots are beginning to work more efficiently and human-like than ever before.  Robots are being built to have impressive dexterity  allowing them to move objects and themselves faster and smoother. 

There are many more ways in which technology has changed the way we live. These are just some of the fundamental ways technology is influencing and transforming our world.

The revolutions that will surface in years to come will continue to make profound changes in our everyday lives. The continual changes can be hard to keep up with, especially for seniors. Luckily, there is a lot of new technology for seniors that is specifically designed to be helpful and easy to use. Rather than being overwhelmed, embrace technology to discover how it can enhance and become an essential part of your daily life. Learning how to  become a tech-savvy senior can be done in as little as ten days . All you need is some persistence, help, and knowledge of the basics.

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Essay on Technology for School Students and Children

Essay on Technology: Technology changes how we do things, making life easier, but we need to use it carefully to keep the world safe and happy. Check below the essay on technology for students.

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November 17, 2023

Essay on Technology

Table of Contents

Essay on Technology: Technology is everywhere in our lives, changing how we do things. From the very first inventions like the wheel to the advanced gadgets we use today, it keeps evolving and reshaping how we live, work, talk, and have fun. It’s all about the tools and machines that make things easier and better for us every day. Below we are providing Essay on Technology in 500 words, Essay on Technology in 250 words and Short Essay on Technology. 

Essay on Technology in English

In the fast-paced world of the 21st century, technology has become an integral part of our daily lives, transforming the way we live, work, communicate, and conduct business. This essay explores the multifaceted aspects of technology, from its rapid advancement to its profound impact on various sectors, while also shedding light on both its advantages and disadvantages.

The Advancement of Technology

In recent times, there have been a lot of amazing progress in technology. This means that making new and better things is not just something extra nice – it’s something we really, really need. From the invention of the wheel to the development of artificial intelligence, technology has consistently evolved to meet the ever-growing needs of society. The digital age, characterized by the Internet, smartphones, and sophisticated computing systems, has redefined the way we perceive and interact with the world.

Technology is Our Part of Life

In contemporary society, technology is inseparable from our daily routines. Smartphones have become extensions of ourselves, offering instant access to information, communication, and entertainment. Social media platforms connect people across the globe, fostering a global village where ideas and cultures converge. The integration of technology into our lives has become so seamless that it is challenging to imagine a world without it.

Benefits of Technology in All Fields

The pervasive influence of technology extends to virtually every aspect of human endeavor, bringing about transformative benefits in diverse fields.

Technology in Communication

One of the most significant impacts of technology is evident in the realm of communication. The advent of the Internet and the rise of social media platforms have revolutionized how we connect and share information. Instant messaging, video calls, and social networking have made the world a smaller place, enabling real-time communication irrespective of geographical boundaries.

Technology in the Office or Workplace

In the business world, technology has streamlined operations and increased efficiency. From advanced project management tools to cloud computing, businesses now have the ability to collaborate seamlessly and access data from anywhere in the world. Automation has optimized routine tasks, allowing human resources to focus on more strategic and creative aspects of their work.

Technology in Education

The educational landscape has been significantly transformed by technology. Digital classrooms, e-learning platforms, and interactive educational software have enhanced the learning experience, making education more accessible and engaging. Virtual reality and augmented reality technologies are revolutionizing how students perceive and interact with information.

Technology in Banking

The financial sector has undergone a radical transformation with the integration of technology. Online banking, mobile payment systems, and cryptocurrency have revolutionized the way we manage and transfer money. Financial transactions that once took days can now be completed in a matter of seconds, enhancing convenience and accessibility.

Manufacturing and Production Industry Automation

Automation technologies have revolutionized the manufacturing and production industries. Robotics, artificial intelligence, and advanced machinery have increased efficiency, reduced production costs, and improved product quality. The seamless integration of technology into manufacturing processes has paved the way for smart factories, where machines communicate and collaborate with minimal human intervention.

Technology in the Healthcare Industry

In the healthcare sector, technology has played an important role in diagnosis, treatment, and patient care. Electronic health records have streamlined the management of patient information, improving accuracy and accessibility. Telemedicine has made healthcare services more accessible, especially in remote areas. Advanced medical imaging technologies and robotic-assisted surgeries have enhanced precision and outcomes.

Technology in Agriculture

The agricultural sector has not been left untouched by technological advancements. Precision agriculture, drones, and smart farming techniques have optimized crop management, resource utilization, and yield prediction. Technology has empowered farmers with real-time data and analytics, enabling them to make informed decisions for sustainable and efficient farming practices.

Disadvantages of Technology

While the benefits of technology are undeniable, it is crucial to acknowledge its drawbacks as well.

Dependency and Addiction: The constant use of technology has led to dependency and addiction, particularly concerning smartphones and social media. Excessive screen time can have adverse effects on mental health and interpersonal relationships.

Privacy Concerns: The digital age has raised significant concerns about privacy. Data breaches, identity theft, and surveillance pose serious threats to individuals’ privacy, leading to a growing sense of vulnerability.

Job Displacement: Automation and artificial intelligence have led to the automation of various jobs, raising concerns about job displacement. The need for reskilling and upskilling is more critical than ever to adapt to the changing job market.

Environmental Impact: The production and disposal of electronic devices contribute to environmental pollution. E-waste management and the carbon footprint of technology pose challenges to sustainable development.

Essay on Technology in 500 Words

Below is the Essay on Technology in 500 Words.

Technology has become an integral part of our lives, affecting nearly every aspect of our existence. In simple terms, technology refers to tools, machines, devices, and systems that help solve problems, make tasks easier, and improve our lives. From the invention of the wheel to the smartphones we use today, technology has constantly evolved, revolutionizing how we live, work, communicate, and entertain ourselves.

One of the most remarkable aspects of technology is its ability to make things more accessible and efficient. Communication, for example, has drastically changed with the advent of technology. In the past, people relied on sending letters or using landline telephones to communicate over long distances. Today, we can instantly connect with someone on the other side of the world through emails, social media, video calls, and instant messaging. This has made the world a smaller and more connected place.

Furthermore, technology has transformed the way we work. Automation and machinery have made production processes faster and more precise. Computers and software have streamlined office tasks, making data management, analysis, and communication quicker and more accurate. This has increased productivity and efficiency in various industries.

Healthcare is another field greatly impacted by technology. Advanced medical equipment and breakthroughs in treatments have improved the quality of care and extended human life expectancy. From MRI machines to minimally invasive surgeries, technology has enabled healthcare professionals to diagnose diseases more accurately and treat them more effectively.

Education has also been revolutionized by technology. Access to information and learning materials is now easier than ever. Online courses, educational videos, and interactive learning tools have made learning more engaging and accessible, breaking down geographical barriers.

Entertainment is yet another area significantly influenced by technology. Streaming services, video games, social media platforms, and virtual reality have transformed the way we entertain ourselves. We can now access a vast amount of entertainment options from the comfort of our homes.

However, technology also brings challenges and concerns. One of the major concerns is the impact of technology on our social interactions. With the prevalence of social media and digital communication, face-to-face interactions have diminished, leading to concerns about social isolation and the erosion of genuine human connections.

Moreover, the rapid pace of technological advancement raises questions about job displacement due to automation and artificial intelligence. As machines become more capable, some traditional jobs might become obsolete, necessitating the need for retraining and new skill acquisition.

Another critical issue is the environmental impact of technology. The production and disposal of electronic devices contribute to environmental pollution. Addressing this issue requires sustainable and eco-friendly practices in the manufacturing and disposal of technology.

Technology has undoubtedly t ransformed our lives in numerous positive ways, making tasks easier, improving communication, enhancing healthcare, and offering new forms of entertainment and education. However, it also presents challenges that need to be addressed, such as its impact on social interactions, potential job displacement, and environmental concerns. Striking a balance between embracing technological progress and mitigating its negative effects is crucial for a sustainable and prosperous future.

Essay on Technology in 250 Words

Below is the Essay on Technology in 250 Words.

Technology is like a superpower that helps us do things better and faster. It’s the tools and gadgets we use to make life easier. Imagine life without phones, computers, or even simple machines like the wheel! From the past to now, technology has made big changes.

Communication is much easier because of technology. Instead of sending letters, we can chat instantly with people anywhere using phones or computers. This makes the world feel smaller, bringing everyone closer together.

Work and industry have changed a lot too. Machines and computers help us do things faster and with fewer mistakes. Whether it’s making things in a factory or doing office work, technology makes tasks simpler and quicker.

Healthcare has gotten better due to technology. We have machines that can look inside our bodies and find problems. New treatments and medicines help people live healthier and longer.

Education has transformed with technology. Now, we can learn using computers and the internet. There are videos, games, and online classes that make learning more fun and accessible to many more people.

But technology has some challenges too. Some worry that it might affect how we talk and spend time together. Jobs might change or go away because machines can do some work. Technology has made life better in many ways. But we need to be careful and think about how to use it wisely to avoid its problems. Balancing the good and the challenges of technology is important for a better future.

Short Essay on Technology 

Below is the Short Essay on Technology.

Technology is all about the cool things that help us every day. It’s like a magic box full of tools and gadgets that make life easier and more fun.

Our phones, computers, and even simple things like toasters are all technology. They help us talk to friends, play games, learn new things, and do our work faster.

Technology has made the world smaller. We can talk to people far away in an instant using texts, calls, or video chats. It’s like having friends all around the world, right in our pockets.

At work, technology is a superhero. It helps us do things faster and better. Machines and computers in factories and offices make our jobs easier and more accurate.

In the doctor’s office, technology helps keep us healthy. There are amazing machines that can see inside our bodies to find problems and fix them.

Even school is more fun with technology. We can learn on computers, watch videos, and play educational games. Learning feels more like an adventure!

Technology is like a superpower. It makes life better, but we need to be careful how we use it. Balancing the good and not-so-good sides of technology is important for a happy and healthy world.

Essay on Technology FAQs

Technology encompasses tools, machines, devices, and systems designed to solve problems, simplify tasks, and improve our lives.

Technology has revolutionized communication, enabling instant connectivity through various mediums like emails, social media, video calls, and instant messaging.

Technology has significantly increased efficiency in work and industry through automation and computerization, making processes faster and more precise.

Advanced medical equipment and breakthrough treatments have elevated the quality of healthcare, aiding in precise diagnostics and more effective treatments.

Technology has made education more accessible through online courses, educational videos, and interactive learning tools, breaking geographical barriers and making learning engaging.

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How Has Technology Changed Education?

Technology has impacted almost every aspect of life today, and education is no exception. Or is it? In some ways, education seems much the same as it has been for many years. A 14th century illustration by Laurentius de Voltolina depicts a university lecture in medieval Italy. The scene is easily recognizable because of its parallels to the modern day. The teacher lectures from a podium at the front of the room while the students sit in rows and listen. Some of the students have books open in front of them and appear to be following along. A few look bored. Some are talking to their neighbors. One appears to be sleeping. Classrooms today do not look much different, though you might find modern students looking at their laptops, tablets, or smart phones instead of books (though probably open to Facebook). A cynic would say that technology has done nothing to change education.

However, in many ways, technology has profoundly changed education. For one, technology has greatly expanded access to education. In medieval times, books were rare and only an elite few had access to educational opportunities. Individuals had to travel to centers of learning to get an education. Today, massive amounts of information (books, audio, images, videos) are available at one’s fingertips through the Internet, and opportunities for formal learning are available online worldwide through the Khan Academy, MOOCs, podcasts, traditional online degree programs, and more. Access to learning opportunities today is unprecedented in scope thanks to technology.

Opportunities for communication and collaboration have also been expanded by technology. Traditionally, classrooms have been relatively isolated, and collaboration has been limited to other students in the same classroom or building. Today, technology enables forms of communication and collaboration undreamt of in the past. Students in a classroom in the rural U.S., for example, can learn about the Arctic by following the expedition of a team of scientists in the region, read scientists’ blog posting, view photos, e-mail questions to the scientists, and even talk live with the scientists via a videoconference. Students can share what they are learning with students in other classrooms in other states who are tracking the same expedition. Students can collaborate on group projects using technology-based tools such as wikis and Google docs. The walls of the classrooms are no longer a barrier as technology enables new ways of learning, communicating, and working collaboratively.

Technology has also begun to change the roles of teachers and learners. In the traditional classroom, such as what we see depicted in de Voltolina’s illustration, the teacher is the primary source of information, and the learners passively receive it. This model of the teacher as the “sage on the stage” has been in education for a long time, and it is still very much in evidence today. However, because of the access to information and educational opportunity that technology has enabled, in many classrooms today we see the teacher’s role shifting to the “guide on the side” as students take more responsibility for their own learning using technology to gather relevant information. Schools and universities across the country are beginning to redesign learning spaces to enable this new model of education, foster more interaction and small group work, and use technology as an enabler.

Technology is a powerful tool that can support and transform education in many ways, from making it easier for teachers to create instructional materials to enabling new ways for people to learn and work together. With the worldwide reach of the Internet and the ubiquity of smart devices that can connect to it, a new age of anytime anywhere education is dawning. It will be up to instructional designers and educational technologies to make the most of the opportunities provided by technology to change education so that effective and efficient education is available to everyone everywhere.

You can help shape the influence of technology in education with an Online Master of Science in Education in Learning Design and Technology from Purdue University Online. This accredited program offers studies in exciting new technologies that are shaping education and offers students the opportunity to take part in the future of innovation.

Learn more about the online MSEd in Learning Design and Technology at Purdue University today and help redefine the way in which individuals learn. Call (877) 497-5851 to speak with an admissions advisor or to request more information.

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Guest Essay

What My Cancer Surgery Taught Me About Immigration

An illustration of a series of figures, all wearing surgical gowns and caps with a few wearing masks, looking down at the viewer. Several of the figures appear to be of various ethnicities.

By Glenn Kramon

Mr. Kramon is a lecturer at Stanford Business School.

Wheeled into the operating room last January, staring up at the massive arms of the robot with which a surgeon would remove my cancerous gland, I was hit with an unusual realization: I owe a debt of gratitude to President Lyndon Johnson and the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965.

Why? Without that legislation, the surgeon who operated on me probably wouldn’t be here. Nor might the doctor who pioneered the procedure. Nor the philanthropist who financed the research. Nor many workers at the company that makes these robots or those at a different company that designed the chips that enable the robot.

As my ordeal with cancer shows, immigration has become critical to our health. Immigrants account for more than a quarter of physicians, surgeons and personal care aides and about a fifth of nursing assistants.

I’m not sure we realize that immigrants help keep us alive: Just look at West Virginia , a state hostile to immigration where aging residents have died before getting off the wait list for home health aides.

While many Americans — including politicians this election year — dwell on stories like the Venezuelan migrant accused of killing a Georgia nursing student, they often forget the critical ways immigration has historically benefited us. A century ago this spring, the United States slammed the door on large sections of the world, and we could be on the verge of doing so again.

That I am so cognizant of the importance of immigrants is the result of two coincidences. The first is that I teach a class on practical writing at Stanford Business School. Frustrated by the cynicism that has pervaded my 3,000 students, many of whom were only teenagers when Donald Trump was elected and are skeptical of the government, I began showing a slide documenting the benefits they enjoy from legislation that originated in the 1960s. For one, many Stanford Business School students — I would guess roughly a quarter — come from families that would not be in this country if not for Mr. Johnson’s Immigration and Nationality Act.

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The Hike That Changed My Life

The Torres Sector in Torres del Paine national park, Patagonia, Chile.

E ven before I became a climber, my dad was always my rock. He was always willing to teach me how to throw a baseball or shoot a basket, or just to listen when I needed him to. No matter what, he was quiet but supportive, wise but with open ears.

It was my dad who first took me and a friend to the local climbing gym one Sunday afternoon, when I was 14, and from that first taste, I became obsessed. I jumped in head first, and my dad was with me all the way. He and my mom would cater to my growing list of superstitions at each competition I entered: always eating at the Olive Garden the night before, always renting a Mercury Mystique from Hertz, always flying Delta. Within a year, I competed in my first junior world cup, in France.

I was still a teenager when I became a professional rock climber, and the world opened up to me. When I was a green 19 year old, I was invited on an all-female expedition (unheard of back in 1999) to the near virgin valley of the Tsaranaro Massif in southern Madagascar. A year later, I found myself in the remote Kara Su valley in Kyrgyzstan—a trip that resulted in a violent kidnapping and a dramatic escape that made headlines around the world. Even after that, travel was part of the fabric of being a professional climber: almost a requirement. I sought out destinations that were better known, more tame, after being held hostage, but my goals didn’t change. I wanted to push the sport forward, climb the hardest lines I could find, and always challenge myself to do better. Norway, Europe, Thailand, China, Northern Canada—it seemed almost every year I was on at least one international trip to justify the paychecks and magazine covers I received and sought.

But in 2005, I did something that felt out of step, if not slightly reckless, for my career: I went to a world class climbing destination with zero intention of climbing. Instead, as we sat around the table for Thanksgiving, I invited my dad to go hiking with me in Patagonia while my husband at the time, also a professional climber, went climbing with mutual friends.

I usually don’t think of positive things associated with being held hostage, but the one good thing that I keep coming back to was my renewed appreciation for family. At the time when people tend to push away from their parents to gain autonomy, I learned that perhaps my parents and family were truly the only thing that mattered.

We were held hostage for six days and during that time I never once thought about climbing. What I did think about was food and family—my parents, my grandparents, even my older brother, who had mostly driven me crazy when we were kids. Shivering in caves and starving each day, I wished for nothing more than to sit around the kitchen table and eat warm food with them all. Five years after the kidnapping, I had thrown myself back into professional climbing with an unhealthy velocity that left little room for anything else. But I still always showed up for Thanksgiving and Christmas, with my dad always carving the turkey and ham.

Patagonia is famous among climbers. It makes Yosemite Valley, our mecca, seem like child's play. And yet, after Kyrgyzstan, I had no appetite for the added dangers that were required in Patagonia: dealing with snow and ice and massive storms. Throwing those into the mix just seemed reckless. I had never been there before, and a part of me didn’t want to miss out entirely, didn’t want to just see those beautiful mountains in pictures. I wanted to be able to see with my own eyes the famous snow mushrooms precariously sitting on top of the huge granite walls and towers that make the Fitz Roy range world famous. I wanted to walk to the turquoise glacial melt lakes and see the grandeur that I’d heard about for years from hardcore old alpinists.

But the thought of doing that alone felt lonely and hollow. I wanted to have someone who appreciated the beauty of places without achievement. My dad was always the one with the wildflower book and the bird guide. The one who found awe and wonder in the simplest things. Who better to appreciate the smaller objectives than the person who first started taking me to the mountains in the first place?

As my dad and I flew down to Patagonia, I had a small, deep fear that I would regret not packing my climbing gear. That I was going with my dad, instead of some big-name alpinist. I left my harness, helmet, and everything essential for climbing in my gear room at home. I’m sure I still could have borrowed something and climbed with my husband and friends, but it would have been like trying to ski in the Olympics on a pair of rentals.

As we all sat in the bus as it drove the famous bumpy road (it wasn’t paved back then) from Calafate to El Chalten, the remarkable skyline started to emerge. I immediately recognized Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre, and they were even more impressive than I had imagined. But as we got closer, I started to notice a bit of calm in the place that I worried my regret would bubble from. I saw these mountains that we all have seen in pictures, and instead of disappointment for not being there to climb them, I felt an ease and happiness that I didn’t have to climb them. That instead, I got to experience this place without any sense of pressure to achieve or perform or survive.

My dad seemed to have his arms wide open to the new experience. He researched hike options, and we stopped along the trails to look at birds and plants—all things that would have been a waste of my time normally. In those moments, I was reminded to not only look up for inspiration, but to look down as well.

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A camping trip in Patagonia with my dad was quite different than just with climber friends. Instead of roasting marshmallows and listening to my dad tell stories on childhood camping trips, my dad and I now sat around the camp stove and listened to climbers talk about being stoned, bad-mouthing other classes of society for being less than we were, and of course, the weather. So much talk about the weather. I’d be lying if I said it was an easy transition, but at the same time it felt like a progression—we were being adults, together, rather than father and daughter.

Dad and I camped for two weeks and during that time we would take day hikes from our camp to scenic points in the park. Sometimes that would mean up to 14 miles to see the vibrant blue waters of an alpine lake, or across the foothills to see the wonders of Cerro Torre. I honestly cannot remember what we talked about during those days. I don’t know if it was about his job or my brother or what Granny and Grandad used to do for family vacations. But I do remember as each day passed, I could feel some of the angst that always seemed to bubble up in my mid-20s start to fade. That need to go faster, to re-hike a hill three times while my dad hiked it once, to run to the top and do push-ups and sit-ups on the side of the trail while I waited for him, started to lessen. Each day that we were there, I appreciated more and more the novelty of what I did have, instead of what I didn’t.

Looking back now, I’m quite amazed with my dad. He survived near-fatal cancer in his early 20s and only has one working lung. He trained on my mom’s treadmill carrying a pack full of heavy water bottles to be prepared for this trip. And as time has passed, I realize how meaningful this trip was for me.

I haven’t traveled internationally with my dad since, nor have I taken a trip just the two of us closer to home. Work, health issues, and life have all gotten in the way. My dad is in his mid 70’s now and I can say with certainty that we wouldn’t be able to recreate this trip now, which brings both gratitude and sadness to my heart.

The two weeks I got in Patagonia with my dad, doing something neither of us had done before in a place that was new to both of us, has meant so much to me. It helped me remember to slow down, and look for joy and wonder in the simplest ways. This trip helped plant the seed that there was more to life and travel and exploration than just on top of a wall or peak. We talked about everything and nothing, and saw the most immense and incredible mountains in the world. We camped where we would now rent a house. We ate camp stove meals and bathed in the freezing glacial melt rivers. I always think it’s cliché to tell someone “don’t put off tomorrow what you can do today," but in this case, I’m so glad I did.

I don’t remember all the climbs I’ve done or the names of the walls I’ve climbed. But I do remember how much my dad loved the Argentinian steak.

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How Technology Has Changed Lives? Essay

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Introduction

Works cited.

Since the turn of the century, the rate of technological advancement has been escalating at an alarming rate. Technology has influenced almost every aspect of people’s lives. Technology has changed lives in terms of the efficiency of service delivery, communication, social processes, education, and business development, among others (Katz 100).

Technology has enabled people to do several things such as paying bills, shopping, looking for direction, studying, getting entertainment materials, holding meetings, and interacting with others over the internet.

Technology has necessitated the creation of online music stores, which are slowly replacing traditional music shops. In contemporary society, people are downloading as well as storing music on their phones, computers, and other technological devices.

If people continue to embrace technology, they have a higher chance of experiencing a high-quality life. However, people are relying too much on technology to meet their needs. Experts argue that overdependence on technology has made a lot of people lazy because they won’t struggle to have things done (Katz 113). People visit stores across the world to buy their favorite music records.

Running a music store is a good economic activity because it helps to create jobs. Also, it enables people to access music from different artists (“The Future of the Music Industry” par. 2). A good example of a successful online music store is iTunes.

People physically visit stores to buy music records. Most people consider a visit to the music store as an opportunity to adventure, go out on a date, or even listen to the latest music released in the market.

However, this experience is slowly being wiped away by technological advancements, which have made it possible for people to access music through online stores (“The Future of the Music Industry” par. 3). People no longer need to visit record stores to have the music they want. Instead, they have a whole new experience over the internet.

Technological devices have made it easier for people to have access to music by downloading them from online stores. In the contemporary world, people download their favorite music on their phones and computers.

Although most musicians are selling their music through online stores, their offline market is still vibrant (“The Future of the Music Industry” par. 4). Musicians consider online stores as cost-effective because all they need to do it upload their music, and people will start downloading it. Most products and services are available online because business developers and entrepreneurs are targeting the growing online community.

With more people buying and listening to music online, the future of record stores is very unstable. The ability of musicians to attract a larger audience has been boosted a lot by the online stores (“The Future of the Music Industry” par. 6). If musicians continue selling their records through online stores, their earning will increase tremendously.

Unfortunately, there are certain stores that allow people to download music without paying for it. It is very unethical for people to do that because they often get the revenue out a musician’s work without their knowledge (“The Future of the Music Industry” par. 6). Although most of the music sold in online stores is copyrighted, there are people who manage to pirate and make a living out of it.

Availability of digital tools such as YouTube also threatens the demand for television as the main source of entertainment (Katz 160). Although people are viewing music videos online through YouTube, they have not abandoned their television sets.

People watch television to enjoy their favorite programs. However, the fact that the same content is available online for people to view whenever they want has left the future of television as the main source of entertainment uncertain (Katz 171).

Technological advancements are threatening the existence of physical entities because people in contemporary society are accessing most products and services online. The availability of online services is threatening the existence of entities such as banks, music stores, post offices, libraries and theatres, among others. Indeed, technology has changed people’s lives.

Katz, Mark. Capturing Sound: How Technology has Changed Music . California: University of California Press, 2010. Print.

The Future of the Music Industry: How Technology Affected Consumer Trends . 2013. Web.

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Bibliography

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School of Life Sciences professor's work on relationships and resilience featured on '60 Minutes'

Two monkeys sitting together on a log

Two rhesus macaque monkeys from Cayo Santiago, Humacao, Puerto Rico. Photo by Noah Snyder-Mackler

Noah Snyder-Mackler , assistant professor in the School of Life Sciences and Center for Evolution and Medicine at Arizona State University, and affiliate at ASU-Banner Neurodegenerative Disease Research Center at the Biodesign Institute and the School for Human Evolution and Social Change, was interviewed by CBS and featured on the " 60 Minutes " broadcast for his research on Cayo Santiago.

Cayo Santiago, a small island off the coast of Puerto Rico, is home to about 1,800 rhesus macaque monkeys living in a natural laboratory, which Snyder-Mackler describes as “a Goldilocks research system — the perfect mix of the wild and the lab — with a complex social environment where we’re able to pair rich behavioral data with detailed physiological data.”

School of Life Sciences professor, Noah Snyder-Mackler

Snyder-Mackler studies how social behavior impacts health and survival. His work focuses on social relationships and how they can protect us from stressful events; how that affects how we age; and the associated social, structural and behavioral aspects that may impact health across species.

On the island, Snyder-Mackler and his team are specifically looking at how social behavior and environmental changes affect aging on the molecular level. When Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico in 2017, Cayo Santiago was the first island in its path and suffered immense devastation to its vegetation. Surprisingly, despite this devastation, the Cayo Santiago researchers found that only about 50 monkeys had died in the wake of the hurricane.

Then the researchers began looking at how the monkeys had been affected by the natural disaster. Snyder-Mackler and his team compared the immune cells of the monkeys exposed to the hurricane with the immune cells of monkeys who had not. By looking at inflammatory immune cell marker gene expression, they discovered that the monkeys’ immune cells looked like they had aged an extra two years (about 6–8 human years) after experiencing the hurricane. 

Armed with new funding from the National Institute on Aging  at the National Institutes of Health, Snyder-Mackler and his colleagues are starting to look at the long-term consequences of chronic stress in the now less predictable environment. They found that “the monkeys that did a better job of building social connections after the hurricane had better outcomes than those that did not.”

Going forward, they will begin to assess whether the monkeys will continue to age at an accelerated rate or if they can return to aging at a rate appropriate to their chronological age.

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TikTok lifted this family out of public housing. See their life before and after

How hairstylist Fanstasia McLean built her business, one TikTok at a time

Three years ago, Fanstasia Linda McLean, 30, was making about $175 per client braiding hair in her public housing apartment in Brooklyn. Today, she makes $245 working from a salon space in Nashville, and people drive for three hours or more to get her famous box braids.

About this story

One reason for her success? Her TikTok account with tens of thousands of viewers. But this could all change if the law Congress passed in April ultimately leads to a TikTok ban across the United States. The law, which reflects growing national security concerns from legislators about the app’s Chinese ownership, requires TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to sell the app within about a year or get banned.

The looming ban threatens to disrupt the millions of businesses TikTok says use its platform. This includes small businesses like McLean’s that use the short-form video platform to market their shops, sell products and build customer bases. TikTok, which has denied it poses a national security threat, is suing to stop the potential ban, arguing it is “obviously unconstitutional.”

@staydontplay29 If ya want to hear the full video let me know cuz baby #fyp #staypostivewithstay #trending #newfolllowers #viral #kidhairstylist #nashvilletn #nashvillebraider ♬ original sound - Stay_dont_play🏳️‍🌈

For McLean, who runs a hair business in Nashville and a TikTok channel both named “Slay By Stay,” the ban means rethinking the way she reaches current and potential clients.

“I am very disappointed about it,” she said. “But I’m trying to move my fan base over to Instagram or Facebook, so I don’t lose everything if it does happen.”

Born in the eastern borough of Brooklyn and raised by a single mother, McLean struggled financially for most of her life. She spent three years in a Queens homeless shelter in her early 20s , working various jobs. She’s always been ambitious — she worked as a security guard for a bank and an art gallery, and self-published a book about trust and relationships. And when covid hit, McLean, a single mom, started giving manicures and pedicures out of her living room while the gallery was closed.

Her friend suggested she put her hair skills to use, too, and she transitioned to braiding hair. Meanwhile, she started streaming her styles on TikTok to fill time.

“As long as they see my face ... I’ll have work.” — Fanstasia McLean

After joining the platform the year before, McLean’s first TikTok live stream in 2020 reached 27,000 people, and in less than a year her follower count grew to 20,000. At first, she used the account to show off her personality and get free products from some brands. Then she started promoting her business.

“It is my personality that draws people in,” McLean says.

McLean’s business grew so much that she was able to put on a fashion show in the spring of 2022 with 20 hair models and more than 100 fans in the courtyard of her apartment building.

Her TikTok account has become not only a platform attracting new clients, but an intimate diary of her personal life. When she’s not streaming her braid work, McLean raps, dances and shares her daily musings, including her frustrations and financial struggles. Viewers ask about braid styles, her life, and her daughters Isabella and Taliyah, now 10 and 5, who often appear on her streams.

TikTok is particularly popular for small businesses because its unique algorithm entices new viewers based on their interests, said Matthew Quint, a brand expert at Columbia Business School. “On other platforms you need to know people [to follow],” he said. “TikTok is about discovering content from people you don’t know.”

@staydontplay29 Slay by stay Is moving from #nyc all the way to #tennessee #ReTokforNature #nourisheveryyou #PostitAffirmations #SplashSummerVibe #hairstyle #hairstylist #MickeyFriendsStayTrue #🌈🌈 #brooklyn #allhairinclusive ♬ Beat Automotivo Tan Tan Tan Viral - WZ Beat

Before TikTok, McLean tried to garner a following on Facebook and YouTube but found little live interaction. So she tried TikTok in late 2019. She saw engagement surge.

Showcasing her life online around the clock impacted her mental health, McLean admitted. Initially, she spent her free moments glued to her phone while her daughters tried to get her attention.

She started looking for a change to help restore her work-life balance and give her a better schedule.

McLean soon had a large-enough virtual following and clients to begin saving more money. As her business grew, she also started to feel that her living situation was holding her back, especially when clients grumbled about commuting to her apartment.

So with a little bit of faith, she said, McLean and her daughters packed up and moved to Nashville in August 2022, a city with a better cost of living (and weather). Using TikTok and word-of-mouth, new clients easily found her, and within two months her business grew from two to 40.

Now McLean said she can save a few thousand dollars a month, and no longer relies on food stamps or controlled rent. She and her daughters moved to a bigger apartment, and McLean works shorter hours in a salon space.

Last year, McLean’s small business made more than $70,000.

“As long as they see my face,” she said. “I’ll have work.” Now she is saving for a down payment on a house.

“I’m not gonna go back anymore,” she said. “I want to move up."

Editing by Monique Woo and Karly Domb Sadof.

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  29. School of Life Sciences professor's work on relationships and

    Noah Snyder-Mackler, assistant professor in the School of Life Sciences and Center for Evolution and Medicine at Arizona State University, and affiliate at ASU-Banner Neurodegenerative Disease Research Center at the Biodesign Institute and the School for Human Evolution and Social Change, was interviewed by CBS and featured on the "60 Minutes" broadcast for his research on Cayo Santiago.

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    Fanstasia Linda McLean — a 30-year-old hairstylist, entrepreneur, and TikTok influencer — and her friends live-stream a video to TikTok after she braided her friend's hair. "TikTok keeps ...