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Running head: NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF TECHNOLOGY

Negative Effects of Technology

Sandeep Reddy Nimmala
Wilmington University

NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF TECHNOLOGY

Abstract
Technology is no doubt one of the greatest inventions mankind ever produced, which
allowed advancement of society in many ways. As every invention has its own advantages and
disadvantages, technology is not an exception from it. Besides providing benefits, technology is
affecting the society adversely unlike any other inventions. The negative effects technology can
incur are not meager when compared with its advantages. Computers, televisions, smart phones
and automated machines in large manufacturing industries had profoundly impacted the society.
These devices are indispensable in order to sustain in this technology driven world. Nevertheless,
over reliance on these devices is root of the problem. By limiting the usage of technology, the
damages it can produce can be prevented.

NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF TECHNOLOGY

Negative Effects of Technology

Ever since the advent of technology, human society has progressed in many ways.
Nowadays technology is ubiquitous, be it in the music people listen to in iPods or in the
knowledge they gain browsing the Internet. It is not an exaggeration to say that it is difficult to
sustain in this technology driven world without using it. Technology lovers say that it is a boon
to human society as it advanced their progress leaps and bounds; however, they overlook the fact
that, over usage of technology can cause more damage than the benefits it offers. The threats
from cyber attacks, physical, social and economic damages technology usage can cause add
credence to the argument. Some people say technology is one of the greatest inventions of
mankind, but over usage and too much dependency on it could be destructive when compared
with its benefits.
The advancement in technology not only helped society progress in many ways, but also
damaging it adversely. For instance, people relying on mobile devices for communication can
cause severe damage to family relationships as there will be no tangible communication
involved. Before mobile phones, telegraphs were used for high speed communication with

NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF TECHNOLOGY

distant relatives, but now people can communicate with their distant relatives in a second with
just one click of a button. Although mobile phones are highly effective, the psychological touch
of communicating with the loved ones will miss with these devices (Negative Effects of
Technology on Society, 2015). Technological advancement is needed for the progress, but it
should not be self destructive. For instance, automobiles burn some of the planets limited fossil
fuels, which not only depleting these resources, but also polluting the environment as a whole
(Technology and Society, 2015).Technology usage should be limited to only few works in
order to enjoy the benefits it offers instead of completely relying on it. Negative effects of
technology usage on society can be prevented by limiting its usage.
Technology has profound impact on society and family relationships. In a quest to ease
the physical work, machines were developed. Computers, televisions, smart phones and other
devices have profoundly impacted the world. Computers are indispensible in education and
academic research field these days, families watch entertainment programs sitting at home in
their televisions, Smartphones enables people to communicate and do works virtually anywhere
anytime. World is now at a point of time in history where everything can be done sitting before a
computer. However, over dependence on these devices, spending less time in social gatherings
and interaction can build a barrier between family relationships ("Technology and Society",
2015). The more advanced technology becomes, the more it seems to have control over society
(Negative Effects of Technology on Society, 2015).People should give importance to the live
communication with family members; this can give them psychological feel of support and build
trust within the family members. The quality of relationships can be improved by spending
quality time with family members.

NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF TECHNOLOGY

Technology played vital role in industrial revolution throughout the twentieth century.
Large manufacturing companies employed machines for production and assembly lines which
improved productivity drastically and reduced the labor cost ("Technology and Society", 2015).
Machines replaced labors in almost all public and private sectors. Usage of machines is
widespread and indispensible in industries. Automated machines in industries enabled them to
improve the production, however, this practice made huge number of labors unemployed. In a
2013 article, David Rotman, editor of MIT Technology review, describes how technology
destroys jobs. Only 68 percent of men between 30 and 45 who have a high school diploma were
working full time in 2013 (David, 2013). There is no denial that technology helped companies
grow faster than anticipated, but impacted society adversely. Every invention in history will have
advantages and disadvantages, however, by designing a system to reduce the negative effects of
technology will definitely help mankind reach places nobody ever reached.
Despite all the evidences provided above, some people still say technology is boon to
society. They provide the supporting arguments like, Modern medicine has given humanity the
ability to cure many diseases, extend human life, and in some cases improve the quality of that
life ("Technology and Society", 2015). Allen, 2015, still manages to argue saying that, the
beauty of innovative technology is that proper application can address both mission advancement
and business efficiency (Advancing the mission while improving Business Efficiency, para.1). It
is agreeable that the usage of technology can greatly improve the quality of life and business
efficiency, but the fact is that there is no system that can control its adverse effects. There is no
denial that the usage of advanced devices in industries can greatly help the industries to improve
their production, but what about the employment of people who are intended to do that job and
rely on it for livelihood? What about the communication gap technology has been creating within

NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF TECHNOLOGY

the family members? What about the physical and medical issues technology usage is creating?
There are no proper answers to the above concerns; also, there are no proper mechanisms to
address these issues. The other major problem with technological advancement is
overpopulation. A 2015 article Technology and Society, clearly points out the problems of
overpopulation on society stating that, As the population continues to increase, a greater
number of people must share limited natural resources, such as water. Likewise, technology has
led to the development of automobiles, which have brought about unprecedented prosperity and
mobility for many developed nations (Technologys effect is Universal, para.1). The fact still
remains; there are no proper mechanisms to address the issues of over usage and over
dependency of technology.
Technology undoubtedly helped mankind progress in many ways. The advent of
computers and usage of Internet boosted the advancement at a higher rate than its natural growth
rate. Humans started using fire for domestic purposes around 350,000 years ago and they
progressed at a normal rate. Personal Computers were introduced in the beginning of 20th century
and Internet is not even 30 years old, but world has seen phenomenal, unprecedented growth in
almost all forms of human life. The growth is encouraging and is needed; however, the effects of
technology usage are also growing rapidly which needs to be controlled. If the adverse effects
causing by technology are not addressed with high priority, then the existence of mankind can
become difficult as these effects are potential enough to destroy the entire human race.

NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF TECHNOLOGY

References
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Allen, Mark. Aug. 2015. "How technology can impact health and human services."
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