Technology vs Industrial Life: How innovations Impact everyday life
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The technological growth has been one of the most significant and fastest in the past couple of decades. Advancements in computing and communication equipment, manufacturing techniques, transportation systems etc. have dramatically altered our innovations lifestyles.
On the same note, several of these changes have been deemed positive while others have been deemed as having negative impacts on the different aspects of technology. This article is the attempt to open the discussion on how the new technologies change the environment in the contemporary industrialized society.
Automation and AI innovations – The New Frontier
Of the various ways that technology impacts daily activities, one that is most apparent is in automation using AI & Machine learning. If the systems get autonomous and the algorithms get smarter, machines are able to perform a number of jobs and tasks that were previously performed by humans.
It is a modern phenomenon where even the manufacturing plants and customer service centers use the automation techniques to increase more productivity and decrease more expenses.
In their view, by eliminating the monotonous tasks, technology offers more choices – for individuals to engage in creative activities. However, detractors have argued that automation has also upended the notion of work and led to entire industries becoming obsolete and traditional careers being replaced by machines in sectors such as manufacturing, retail, and transport. It can result in unemployment and also alter the type of skills that are being required by the new economy.
The information at the same time is the sword that has a double edge in the society.
A final aspect of modern tech that is essentially realized and embodied by the current generation technology is the ability to link individuals together irrespective of geographical location at any one time. The availability of internet connection and the use of mobile devices as well as the social networks have expanded new forms of communication. Technophiles argue that it fosters social interaction, promotes the feel of unity and togetherness, and empowers people of the deprived section.
On the same note, there are also concerns that technology makes individuals more lonely despite the extended interactions being made possible. Interpersonal contact is getting lost in many areas even as screen time grows on the other hand.
Another disadvantage of hyper-connectivity is pointed to cyber bullying and the increased flow of fake news. Some arguments remain unanswered as to whether tech improves the quality of conversation or makes it worse.
Health Consequences in the Current Technological Environment
As mentioned earlier there are also a range of issues related to how the use of technology affects the health of the general public. The trend toward a highly technological and computer-oriented life style results in trends that make people lazier and this leads to obesity and other diseases such as heart diseases and diabetes.
Some tech companies have been alleged to design apps and sites in a way that takes advantages of the neurological challenges to make users more distractible and addicted. For instance, in the present generation, people develop a habit of checking their notifications and finding it challenging to detach from their gadgets.
But at the same time, one needs to mention that use of technologies in healthcare also has significant number of positive effects. Smart clothing and smart phones allow individuals to keep tabs on their physical activity and know more about their chronic illnesses.
Telemedicine also provides better access to care. AI-based diagnosis aids doctors in analyzing scans and data for the presence of diseases and allows for earlier and more comprehensive detection. There are two scores in this game as well, you know.
The Environmental Impact Equation
As technology redesigns our industrial as well as household facilities, there also questions of sustainability. On one hand, green tech, smart electricity grids, and automated sensors applied to factories to help cut energy losses. Another area that has been affected positively by tech is reduced transport or rather reduced numbers of travels. The above efficiencies collectively reduce the organism’s environmental footprint dramatically.
However, the manufacture, powering, and disposal of electronic products contribute highly to e-waste and pollution. The components of the devices, including the rare earth metals, and many more materials come at the expense of our natural environment and humanity.
Clean energy tech also depends on the extraction and purifying of rare metals and minerals which is another problem dependent on the first. Hence, our tech policy should be able to assertively sustain the society, respect human beings, and advance human ideas.
Living standards in an automated age
This discussion has revealed that while technology brings about positive changes in helping to select, enhance or even redesign life in the twenty first century, it also brings about new problems. They have to be managed properly with the help of business, government, and society to be aimed at human-oriented goals rather than excessive output or even unbounded revenue.
In the right environment, correct application and management, we are indeed on the cusp of a society where men and women will not have to deal with dangerous and repetitive jobs that causes much stress in their lives. Yet without careful planning, such progress also poses the danger of dislocation and despair for many. The trick will lie in achieving the greatest utility while minimizing the disutility- enhancing and satisfying the wellbeing, economic equity, health, environmental responsibility and human worth of all.