by James Johnson

Created on: July 23, 2008

Does technology help us save time or waste time? This is a tough question and not one that is all one way or the other. Computers certainly help with locating information and storing facts. Hospitals run much faster with accurate databases and state of the art equipment. Doctors, lawyers, and even the plumber find cellular phones help them get business, but does technology really save time for most people?

How many times do you search for something on the internet, going through hundreds of options using up several hours when it was in a book on the shelf by the television? Computers and the internet are fascinating and exciting to use, but not always the fastest and easiest use of your time.

That television is technology as well. How much news is really news and how much is just thriller filler? How many people get so wrapped up watching sitcoms that they neglect their children or spouses? The technology does provide good entertainment and some wonderful programs, but most promotes violence or stupidity.

And then there are cellular phones. These do save lives and provide a security blanket for parents, you can always reach help (or the child) if needed. But are they replacing common sense and a development of responsibility? At a meeting the phone rings and everything stops. Supper burns, traffic slows down (or crashes) and you are late picking up the kids because "Aunt Lily" called to chat. Before a trained secretary would have handled the call; "Aunt Lily" would have known you were gone and either not called at that time or left a message. Cellular phones have also increased the numbers of lost and injured hikers because people do things they wouldn't normally do; help, after all, is just a phone call way!

Check out computer games, they are some very advance technology, but do they save time or waste it? They are made to waste time. Some do have educational properties and they are very useful for developing hand eye coordination as well as multi-tasking, but they don't save time!

Technology is not only useful and beneficial, it is essential in some areas. Space exploration and Medicine are two prime examples. It certainly saves time in travel on those modern airplanes. Does it save or waste time in our day to day lives? So far, writing this has taken two hours as I have had three cellular calls to sell me magazines that I don't want, six emails that needed answering or I would miss out of great offers, and the computer "froze" twice! That answers the question for me!

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