Joy of Technology Shapes Every

¶ … Joy of Technology

Technology shapes every aspect of daily life so much that living without it for even a short time is difficult and can cause complications. While we can live with this knowledge and plan for it in cases of vacations, it is quite different when our technology is taken from us unexpectedly and for a considerable amount of time. I learned that technology is woven deep into our lives and just a little time without it is nearly impossible in this day and age. Technology is not something that enhances our lives, it is an integral part of our lives and without it, society would eventually grind to a halt, throwing everyone in shock.

Technology is essential in the twenty-first century. Everyone carries a cell phone and almost everyone has access to a computer. If we do not have a computer, we have access to one. The National School Boards Association notes that in 1996, computer use is ranked third after English and math as important to students in school. (NSBA.org) if this is not enough, we have articles boasting about the skills that playing computer games can enhance. CNET.com reports that "gaming and community helps kids become more civic minded, encourages interest in charity and politics, and increases socialization" (CNET). With this news, we should embrace our addiction to technology instead of beat ourselves up over it. We need to see technology as something from which all individuals can benefit.

It is the unexpected loss of technology is practically debilitating. Planning for a lack of technology is not stressful. When I go camping, I am prepared to spend time away from my computer. I know I will not have electricity and I know that I will be around others and we plan things to do that do not involve too much technology. When technology is taken away suddenly for an unknown amount of time, it can leave one feeling almost hopeless. I learned this lesson with Hurricane Gustov. The most important technological tool that I missed the most during the aftermath of Gustav was my computer. It did not take long for me to miss. I was not able to go to the news right away and I could not communicate with anyone. Because of the circumstances, I wanted to know what was happening in the news and what my family and friends were going through. I was able to use my cell phone, which was good but service kept breaking up. People I tried to reach were unavailable and I could only assume they lost their service. I played a game for a little while but then turned the phone off to save the battery for a time. I was lost without my technological gadgets.