Constant Access to Technology: Is It Always a Good Thing?
by Tina Tocco
Electronic devices are a crucial part of most people's everyday lives. Whether it's snapping pictures with a cell phone or checking emails on a netbook at an Internet café, people seem to be plugged into technology wherever they go. Having the ability to transfer money from one bank account to another while waiting on line at the supermarket isn't necessarily a bad thing. However, over the past several years, electronic luxuries have become mere conveniences, and conveniences have become methods to keep people constantly in touch with the world around them. People need to ask themselves one question: When technology becomes something people can't detach from, is it still beneficial?
For example, the concept of "leaving work for the day" is becoming increasingly out of date. Employees are often able to access their work email from their home computer or a company-provided laptop, making them feel compelled to check their email in the evening, over the weekend, and on company holidays. Even if they receive no additional compensation for their efforts, they sometimes feel the need to "check in" even when they're out of the office. Likewise, employees might field cell phone calls while on vacation, forcing their minds to remain at work even when they are hundreds of miles away. Add to this the ability to answer email and read documents on many cell phones, and employees are now carrying their entire office and workload with them wherever they go. In terms of productivity, this may be beneficial, at least in the short-term. Mentally, however, this is entirely another story. People are unable to let their brains "shut down"—rest and recharge from 5:00 p.m. one day to 9:00 a.m. the next. Studies show that people who are exhausted and mentally overloaded don't produce more over the long term, nor do they see better results for their constant efforts. Fatigue eventually sets in, and mental ability—and agility—suffer immensely. Ultimately, people are doing more, but aren't being more productive, nor are they feeling a greater sense of accomplishment for their efforts.
Much like their parents, children are also the unwitting victims of technology overload. The inability to immediately pick up their cell phones, answer a text at a moment's notice, or respond to a funny picture or video can be perceived as a slight against a classmate. In addition, parents sometimes feel the need to keep in constant contact with their children, often allowing their children to have cell phones so they have a steady line of communication, especially in emergencies. The flip side, though, is that parents can often become alarmed if their children don't pick up their phones fast enough, drawing frightening conclusions as to why their children are out of reach. So, the vicious cycle continues—parents feel compelled to stay in touch for their children's safety, while children feel compelled to stay in touch for their parents' peace of mind.
As unfortunate as it sounds, people are now finding themselves permanently linked to technology. The peace and quiet once inherent in a vacation is all but gone, as is a quiet evening at home watching television. Any activity can potentially be interrupted by an "urgent" text from someone's manager or a call from a friend who suddenly needs to share every detail about their day. More and more people feel the need to pick up and answer—immediately, if not sooner. Next year, they'll probably respond even faster. As they answer, the question people should be asking themselves is this: Are conveniences truly convenient when their usage becomes a requirement?
2
Which of these sentences from the passage supports the author's viewpoint?
A.
Electronic devices are a crucial part of most people's everyday lives.
B.
As unfortunate as it sounds, people are now finding themselves permanently linked to technology.
C.
The inability to immediately pick up their cell phones, answer a text at a moment's notice, or respond to a funny picture or video can be perceived as a slight against a classmate.
D.
For example, the concept of "leaving work for the day" is becoming increasingly out of date.