Technology

These days it feels like everywhere you turn, you hear worse things about technology. People are getting addicted to their phones, there are new mental health issues tied to certain app usage…

It’s just a really big mess. I’ve seen people advocate detoxes and cleanses and frankly, it’s slightly terrifying. The idea that people can be chained to their devices in such a way is scary. But, I don’t agree with the idea that technology is inherently bad. I also don’t agree with the idea that social media is useless.

I believe that technology is a tool that can be used for both good and bad. I also believe that there’s a new etiquette that needs to be taught to new users, especially teens and younger children.

Internet safety and the permanence of the internet need to be emphasised especially. I’ve found that the vast majority of people who behave objectionably on the internet are doing it because they feel safe behind the anonymity it provides.

But the truth is that it’s not quite so easy to be fully anonymous on the internet. IP Addresses are easy enough to trace and there are repercussions for bad behaviour online even if the law hasn’t completely caught up just yet.

I suppose the point I’m trying to make is – these are tools that we have but they need safety guidelines much like anything else. There’s a way to responsibly use technology and there are a million and one other ways to use it irresponsibly. It’s really the user’s choice.