The Pitfalls of Advanced Technology in a High Tech-Savvy World

The advancement of technology is remarkable in many ways. However, as the world gets more tech-savvy, it is apparent that there are many pitfalls that come along with the advancements. These pitfalls can have many harmful consequences.

Advanced Technology- High Tech, But Impractical

Three months ago, I had to travel to Pennsylvania, from central New Jersey, and used a portable GPS Navigation System. The GPS System did not seem that complex and had a Touch Screen. I tried to gently tap the Screen, but it was just frozen. The Touch Screen was not receptive to my taps. I had to restart the GPS which took a few minutes to reload. Once it computed the Directions, I noticed I had to take a Highway that I was familiar with. However, the GPS was routing me North and then South in a Circle, to get to the Highway. I was lucky that I knew I could get to the Highway an easier way, and was baffled that the GPS had directed me in the opposite direction. On the way back from Pennsylvania, I ended up going in a circle before getting onto the main Highway. I was unfamiliar with the Roads and the GPS led me South and then North. At that point, I had wished I had just printed out the directions from MapQuest. How could the Navigation System be so high tech, yet so impractical?

Impact of Advanced Technology on Driving Safely
One horrific act caused by advanced technology, is people texting on their cell phones while driving. I have seen drivers steer with two fingers on the Steering Wheel, while trying to text away. In addition, these drivers quickly glance back and forth at their cell phones, losing focus of the road. The steering can also become unsteady as the car can lose direction from loss of concentration. The other day, I saw someone reading a Kindle (an electronic type of book) while in their car driving. Since when is driving supposed to be a leisure activity? When I drive, my cell phone is not picked up for calls. I also do not call anyone while driving, nor do I send text messages when driving. I believe your eyes should be focused on the road when driving. Not only is your life at risk when driving, there are other people whose lives are at risk.

Influence of Advanced Technology on Children

Children are now being attracted to this advancing technology, especially the high tech cell phones that have many applications such as the Internet. Along with advancing technology, comes Social Networks which are constantly evolving on the Internet. Children are easily joining these Social Networks, as they have easy access through these phones that carry the Internet Application. Many parents are not even aware their children are on these Social Networks, which is a harmful environment for children. Family time is starting to die away as children are primarily playing games on their phones, browsing Social Networks, or texting. Do children truly need these advanced cell phones?

Restrictions on Advancing Technology

When should restrictions be placed on the advancement of technology? I do strongly believe advancing technology is beneficial in many ways, such as for medicine and invasive procedures. However, the misuse of advancing technology such as children using high tech cell phones is disturbing. Also, some of this advanced technology is not as smart as we think it is. We all need to assess the pitfalls to advancing technology, before fostering it.