by Anthony Megna

Created on: August 16, 2008   Last Updated: May 22, 2012

In the far future the human race won't be able to add and subtract without the use of a calculator! There is a sickening dependence on technology today that is very worrisome.  Technology is important and has solved some of our most vexing problems, but it's possible we are overly dependent on it.  Are we losing ourselves in the technological web?

How many times have you been to the public library and seen kids checking out videos as opposed to books? The ratio is about 7 to 1. It is sad. Reading engages your mind and helps you to create your own scenario about what you are reading, as opposed to another imagination. Will this ever stop? Probably not. Not as long as technology controls us.

There is no need to slam technology however. The advances we have made have really been phenomenal. Look at the medical devices extending human life. They are just magical. Nanotechnology enables us to get right into the bloodstream and clean out arteries. If that isn't here already it is right around the corner. This will reduce heart attack deaths and extend human life a great deal. This is an example of technology doing a terrific service to society. Technology isn't to blame, we are.

I agree with science fiction writer the late Isaac Asimov when he said that our interpersonal skills aren't keeping up with technology. We just don't know how to handle the power of this new technology yet. Kids being addicted to video games and not knowing how to play properly outside as well as exploding obesity rates are not what we envisioned with technology. But as we all know, there is a downside to everything. What is the answer?

I believe it is balance. Balance in life is the secret to life. Too much of anything is bad, even a good thing like technology. I use video games as an example, but too much of sitting on the couch encourages a sedentary lifestyle. This is a good thing gone bad.

Balance in life is critical. If teachers would teach how moderation in life is so important then we can "have our cake and eat it too" so to speak. Technology is not to blame. We are not going to stop it. It is a natural byproduct of scientific research. It is meant to be helpful to society and produce great things. It is our ability as a race to be able to handle this powerful new technology.

If we can't find a balance between human to human interaction and human/technology interaction we might as well consider ourselves doomed.

Technology could end up enslaving us if we aren't careful. I'm sure this is not what the researchers and scientists had in mind.....

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