New technology: a threat or a promise?

Matthew B.
The International School and Community College
East Birmingham, England, United Kingdom

The truth is we have no control over the way technology is used. For example genetic engineering and cloning are thought to be unethical but are still allowed to happen. Cloning humans was not thought of until people began to think of the benefits of it, like cloning humans cells can help treat Alzheimer's, heart disease and diabetes. We see technology as only useful if it benefits us. We rely on it to solve all our problems including climate change but the simple answer is it can't. It can only slow it down. Future technology will carry on crossing more ethical lines and may reach a point where people may not want to live with certain technology.

In certain ways I believe that most adults today tend to stay away from new technology as they may not understand it so they don't try to unless they have been shown that it is good and easy to use. Most people I believe are dependant on the internet, for a few reasons like communications, it being global so companies can make a lot of money off you (for example betting sites) and just to make their own website. In communications most teenagers who own a computer with internet go on MSN Messenger so they can instantaneously send messages to their friends but I do think people could live without the internet. As betting companies can open shops and for communicating people would just use their phone more. I think that the people are dependant on computer as most devices people use are computer technology.

In learning I think books are better than computers. It is the internet that makes learning easier than books because there is a larger range of information but the disadvantage is a lot of that information can be misleading. I don't think teachers should ban sites like YouTube in school but have the right to block game sites as if you are trying to get a student to learn but they are playing games they are distracted but YouTube may distract sometimes. There are a few videos on their that may allow a student to learn their topic better but the teacher should be allowed to block video links on YouTube they think are distracting. I think that MP3 and Phones can't help you learn but should be allowed to be used but in moderation.

In conclusion I think it's definitely a promise there will be new technology but the question what will the technology be and what ethical lines will the technology cross in order to get there.

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