In the last 20 years there have been significant developments in the field of information technology (IT), for example the World Wide Web and communication by email. However, these developments in IT are likely to have more negative effects than positive in the future.
To what extent do you agree with this view?
Over the last two decades, important breakthroughs in the field of information technology have led to a better communicated world. Although some people argue that such advances might be counterproductive at long term, I absolutely disagree with this statement.
One typical argument put forward against the developments in IT involves its consequences in our social life. As the use of technological devices to send and receive information is becoming more common, people tend to reduce the direct contact with other human beings. The use by teenagers of whatsapp, facebook and many other social networks to maintain or establish relationships embodies perfectly this idea. Furthermore, other problems such as lack of physical exercise are arising. The facilities offered by many supermarkets and shops’s websites are deriving in a more sedentary life style as people don’t need to leave home to accomplish their daily obligations.
However, the benefits from a globally connected world are, from my point of view, much greater than the possible negative effects. First of all, internet has made our lives easier in so many ways. Nowadays finding employment, a new apartment or a good restaurant requires less effort and, by far, less time than years ago. For instance, internet users can book a flat located miles away from their homes with just a click. On the other hand, key advances in science are being possible thanks to the great amount of data, results and information that can be shared through internet. A case in point is the upcoming genetic database by google which is planned to contain the coding sequence of millions of persons around the world.
To conclude, the use of information technologies has undeniable benefits for both individuals and society and, as long as users learn to use the available facilities in a moderate and thoughtful way, it should not be a counterproductive advance.
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