Technology's Neutrality

In the article “Is Technology Neutral,” Whelchel discusses whether or not technology is morally neutral. Towards the beginning of the article, Whelchel briefly mentions two viewpoints on this question, a viewpoint from Melvin Kranzberg and a viewpoint from Arnold Pacey. These viewpoints seem to coincide with the common-sense view and the strong view perspectives of the neutrality of technology. It is evident that these two arguments of the neutrality of technology are vastly different, but there does not seem to be a clear-cut answer on which of these viewpoints can be used as the ultimate answer to the question of whether or not technology is neutral.

Technology has been a major factor in both the lives of the civilians in Ray Bradbury’s novel Fahrenheit 451 and the lives of all citizens in the current time. The main difference between the lives of the civilians in the novel and the lives of the current time, is the use and purpose of technology. Technology in their world has both helped the people complete simple task and has also, lead to their demise, and this has shown throughout the novel. The many ways it has appeared in the novel mainly consisted of the government abuse of technology, and using it to restrict social contact and also, to protect the citizens, but to a dangerous level were their individual rights are challenged, and finally the misuse of technology from the civilians of this world themselves.

Recently, a contractor working for the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) unintentionally released 3 million gallons of toxic mine waste into the Animas River in the Mountain West state of Colorado. Today, people in the US are debating the efficacy of the EPA (the right-wing is using the spill as anti-government propaganda) and the toxic aftermath the spill will undoubtedly have on local economies, communities and ecosystems. So far, the spill has "contaminated the Animas River, San Juan River, and the Colorado River in Utah."

By and large, it is of little debate in today’s sophisticated world that technology is of paramount importance. This is inasmuch as people always tend to find a more convenient solution to address their problems. With this in mind, it is quite expected to notice some of its characteristics are somewhat controversial due to its prominent standing; a substantial number of people wonder what role technology has on human’s life. One idea of prominence in this regard is that the more the people rely on technologies, the more they will lose their thinking ability. I personally agree with the statement to some extent. The rationale behind this thesis will be elaborated in the ensuing lines.

Technology has made great advances on a global scale, especially within the last half century. Works of fiction and informational texts have addressed the numerous influences of modern innovation. Technological advances can be both beneficial and detrimental to society.

People say that technology is neutral and it is up to us how long we use it and what we use it for. Tristan Harris says this is just not true. “It's not neutral. They want you to use it in particular ways and for long periods of time. That's how they make their money.” (Harris Brain-Hacking 60 minute video)

Some say that technology is the evil that will overcome humanity, others say it is something that will lead us to a new way of thinking about the world. In the book Remix by Catherine Latterell, she writes three assumptions about technology: Technologies are machines, technologies bring progress or peril, and technology is neutral. These assumptions are what some people make about the technology. In Latterell’s book there was an article by Langdon Winner who wrote “Technology Somnambulism” which was about how in the modern world we are being controlled by technology, we change the way we live because of technology. Now given the assumptions that Latterell gives, technology can really be seen as something that is good for the world because it can teach us how to be a better socializer, speeds up the process of doing things, and allows a new kind of learning tool for future generations.

Happiness is something most humans value above everything else. The various things in life that make us happy, such as family, friends, and cool cars, to name a few, are the very things we hold dearest to us and place the most value on. People fill their lives with things that please them to ease the gloom that comes as a result of the seemingly never-ending trials and tribulations of life. We gladly accept any amount of pleasure we can extract from the monotony of our daily lives, and we will do almost anything to achieve happiness.

My family and I don’t have any financial burdens or special situations. We’re just the typical American family who has their occasional ups and downs. These ‘ups and downs’ start with my dad’s line of business. My dad works in the oil field and, as we all know, it really has its downsides. The company he works for recently laid off a large amount of its workers, luckily my dad wasn’t one of them. The oil business is really unstable, and that has a direct effect on our financial standings. When oil is up we’re up and when it’s low we are really low, and sometimes struggle on living paycheck to paycheck. My dad is also gone a lot because, he has to travel all over the US to lay new lines or fix leaks. While he is gone my mom and I are all on our own.

Defined as the “purposeful application of information in the design, production, and utilization of goods and services, and in the organization of human activities”, technology has many applications in today’s world (WebFinance, Inc.). Whether the newest cellular device, video gaming console or tablet, or even some new vaccine or cure for a disease, technology is meant to make humans’ lives easier, faster, less stressful, more enjoyable and ultimately better, and make society a better place.

Technology has has made tremendous progress throughout the years, starting first with the wheel back in 3500 BCE, to today with self-driving cars to cell phones on your wrist. Technology is machinery and equipment which is developed from the application of scientific knowledge, and the invention of new tools that make the process of living a little easier. All this technology is great and keeps our society moving forward, but indeed it does come at a cost. By examining the Anthropological, Sociological, and Psychological approaches, one can see that technology is beneficial to society but does come at a steep cost.

In this generation some of the most notable and impactful inventions have been the innovative technology that now resides as common household items. Some of these most notable pieces of technology are the computer, the cellphone, and the multitude of video game consoles. These pieces of technology have become so common and apparent that they are seen nearly everywhere. Today people show no issue using their cellphone whether they are walking to a destination, hanging out at home, or waiting in a line. It is even common to see people texting when hanging out with their friends, significant others, or family. Texting has become a common means of communication and has introduced the idea of sending messages digitally without the “hassle” of

Technology has been a term used to describe the advancement and creation of man made inventions throughout the years. Technology has always been incorporated into human history; from the neanderthals use of rocks and sticks, to the creation of makeshift hammers and tools, and finally, to the inventions of handheld devices that hold the world’s vast amount of knowledge within them. Technology has been around, constantly growing and advancing alongside humans, as a companion throughout global development. Technology has helped improve the lives of everyday citizens, specifically adolescents. With homework and other various needs, technology is a must have to the adolescents of modern time. Technology, however, is like a coin. On one side technology benefits and on the other greatly hinders the lives of adolescents today. While technology can be beneficial both socially and healthwise, it can also hinder educational performance and become a serious safety issue. Technology can provide various benefits to adolescents, as well as, become a major safety issue and decrease academic performance if not used in proper moderation.

Teenagers in this digital era are introduced to unprecedented amount of information about the ideal body through the use of the internet, which portrays this image through advertising, music videos, and celebrity social media accounts. With the introduction of connected technology, teen’s lust over a body that has most likely been photo-shopped and may be almost impossible to obtain. In other words, Photoshop sucks.

The over use of technology is limiting human capability, due to the diminishing of jobs in society. Technology has society so enthralled in its benefits, that society is blinded by what is really happening. The more technology revolutionizes, the more we see a decrease in human activity. Technology is drastically minimizing jobs for many people. It is a shame that many people are unable provide for their family due to a machine. I can strongly argue that technology has also taken away the motive to work. Please do not misunderstand my perception on technology. My point is not that technology is ineffective, but merely it is consuming many jobs in the work world.