Connected With Technology

In the past twenty years, this world has seen technology stream lightyears beyond what we ever though was possible. No longer do we rely on primitive tools such as pen and paper to reach each other. Instead, we are in constant contact with our cell phones and on our computers. The neverending stream of text messages, emails, and video conferencing has brought this world into one giant network. For the most part, I believe the connectivity has been beneificial, and after reading this article I know this to be true, however I am also aware of the negative affects that technology has had on our society.

The aforementioned article discusses a young boy by the name of Ahmed Hamdi, who was diagnosed with Leukemia. The boy is now in remission, however the article goes on to say that he still suffers from complications from time to time. In order to offset these complications, Ahmed has been going to school, physically, only twice a week, but he has not missed much of his education, because he has been given a laptop to attend class via the web.

This is an absolutely perfect benefit that technology has provided to this boy. He has been able to keep up with his work even through a deadly disease. Without his laptop, Ahmed would very likely be far behind his classmates and would almost certainly be home schooled. Not only would this hurt the boy's chance of maturing with his friends and peers, but it would place a great burden on his family.

Connecting Ahmed with his classroom is just one small example of the sheer power of technology. I have had the benefit of video chatting with my family after having moved across the country. It was nice to be able to see faces while speaking with them, and the best part about it was that its free! Well besides the monthly Internet fee...It goes a long way to be able to see your loved ones when you are gone for an extended period of time.

Being totally connected through the use of technology has allowed us all to have access to instant news and updates from around the world. It has allowed citizens of all countries the opportunity to find employment around the world. In my opinion, there is really very little that is bad about being totally connected through technology. I think it is absolutely wonderful that Ahmed has been given this opportunity, and this practice should be a staple for sick kids everywhere.

As with everything else in this world, there are downsides. Technology is certainly no exception. With increased connectivity comes increased, and new, forms of crime. Constant connection means constant access to information, and with criminal minds out there, it is impossible to stay protected from identity theft and Internet fraud. Online criminals have become smarter and are able to wreak havoc on people's lives. Not only that, but who hasn't seen Dateline NBC's To Catch a Predator. That stuff would probably happen still, but I am willing to bet that it would be significantly lower than it is with the use of technology.

Criminal activity is not the only downfall of constant connectivity via technology. People can become very addicted to the Internet. Whether it is video games, chat-rooms, pornography, or social networking sites, the addiction can be as serious as cigarettes or alcohol. Getting sucked into Facebook or Myspace is very easy. There have been times when I would spend hours just tooling around online reading profiles, looking at pictures, and just waiting for someone to chat with. I can see how easy it is to become addicted to that stuff, but I pull myself away to stay grounded. (Although HubPages is sucking me in on a constant basis!)

Just ask this lady about her addiction to Facebook. She knows that she is addicted, is embarrassed by it, and is even letting it affect her life and relationship with her children! There is even a test that you can take to see if you are addicted to Facebook. Read this little article, and if you feel like you may be addicted to Facebook or another social networking site, take the quiz.

Being connected with technology can be and is a very positive thing, but make sure to take the proper online precautions to protect yourself and your family!