Effects of technology

THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC EFFECTS OF TECHNOLOGY


Brethren, it’s no longer news that everyone dreams to remain happy. But don’t forget, the consistent cheerfulness of a certain lively couple could result to the sad mood of another married couple. In other words, we all wish or are working tirelessly to encounter treasure. But we shouldn’t forget to acknowledge the fact that every treasure has a certain negative consequence including water which I personally tag as an unending treasure.

Sometime ago, one of my closest neighbours at my place of residence got punched in the face by a pugnacious apprentice during one of his usual trips to warri, Delta State in Nigeria. Since then, the man has been suffering from paranoia in such a manner that everyone around him could easily notice the abnormality. What transpired between him and the trainee is something we shouldn’t bother to know because it could also introduce paranoia in our individual minds if being disclosed. Recently I called the man in question and gave him some panacea, and also urged him to forge ahead without further panic. I summarized my meeting with him with the philosophy that life without challenges can never grow formidably. He saw reason with me thereby promised to always accept his challenges in good faith.

Our topic for today is; the socio-economic effects of technology. In some of my previous editions in the past on this column, I’ve taken time to discuss science and technology as it relates to several areas of life. Summarily in the editions, I categorically stated that science has done novel. And, it’s no longer news to any of us that we are in the world of science. Yes, science has dominated the universe through its worthwhile idiosyncrasies. But in this edition, we shall be considering both the positive and negative impacts of sciences on the world at large as it affects the socio-economic sector.

Tremendously science and technology has contributed immensely in the socio-economic area of the globe. To start with; it is by means of science that two or more persons can reach or speak with each other at any distance. It’s also the sole effort of technology that enables one to be exposed even in his/her room or apartment. In other words, one doesn’t necessarily need to travel or go out before he/she can be exposed or well informed. And such routine could be possible or ascertained through what is generally known as “global village”. A global village is the ability of one to access or have access to the entire world from any environment/position by the means of scientific equipment at his/her reach. Above all, science has made virtually everything in existence to be easily manipulated, reformed and more importantly, re-created. Such phenomenon can be observed in the areas of medical sciences, engineering, environmental/management sciences and what have you.

But without mixing words, I also wish to use this medium to inform you that science has created a very serious vacuum in any given society. If I must analyze, then I should tell you that science and technology has greatly deteriorated the morality level of any society through the means of video gadget, telephone, computer, just to mention a few. On the other hand, technology has also diminished or terminated the life-span of billions of individuals both in the past and present through industrial/laboratory pollution and hazards, automobile accident, food preservatives, fire outbreaks and so on.

We are not meant to panic, rather what we should be asking ourselves is this; amongst the merits and demerits of technology, which one supersedes? Because, anything taking place under the sun must have both aforementioned phenomena; merits and demerits. And, if I would be granted the room to view my opinion, then I’m bound to tell you that the merits of science greatly supersedes the demerits because without it (science), we would have remained blind which would have caused a greater doom to mankind. So, the demerits are the challenges we must accept in good faith. Think about it!



FDN NWAOZOR

Social analyst & activist

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