Final answer:
Thoreau might critique modern electronic devices, saying they control us more than we control them, and while acknowledging their benefits for communication and efficiency, he would also point out their distractions and the stress they introduce to our lives. He would emphasize the importance of balancing technological usage with the essential aspects of life.
Step-by-step explanation:
If Henry David Thoreau were to comment on the role of electronic devices such as cell phones and computers in our lives, he might express a concern similar to his views on the railroad: rather than us controlling the technology, the technology controls us. Thoreau's commitment to simple living and self-reliance, as detailed in his works Walden and Civil Disobedience, suggests that he would look critically at our dependence on devices and the way they shape our lives and our environment.
Concurrently, Thoreau would likely recognize the benefits of these devices, such as increased communication and productivity, but also note the adverse effects they can have on our ability to be present, to focus on single tasks, and the stress they can add to our lives. He might argue that these devices have made certain aspects of life simpler at the surface level, but at the cost of complicating other areas, including privacy, social interactions, and personal freedom.
Thoreau would also worry about the rapid pace of technological evolution outpacing our society's ability to adapt and make informed decisions about their use. He would urge us to seek a balance where technology serves as a tool for improving life's essential aspects without becoming all-consuming or detracting from our face-to-face interactions with nature and one another.