Term Paper Part 2

Sub-topic: How technology demonstrates its positives and negatives in modern society

                Technology’s presence in the novel is viewed as both positive and negative, based on the individual’s perception. Similarly, technology has both good and bad attributes in modern society as well. While many individuals tend to get caught up with all of the progress and advancements that technology has led to, they sometimes forget that technology is not all good.

                Technology has many significant uses that facilitate everyday life. Accessibility to information and communication is one central purpose that technology serves in modern-day life. Today, the invention of cell phones and social media is more prominent than ever before, which allows for the easy spread of information and communication. One important characteristic of such advancements is the ability to communicate with family and friends that live far away. New technological advancements are occurring every day, such as Skype and FaceTime, of which minimize the feeling of distance and contribute to the addition of more modes of communication. In addition, technological advancements have aided tremendously in the area of medicine and science. New medications, surgeries, and discoveries have been made, all with the assistance of modern technology. In connection to the novel, the idea of convenience also comes into play. The narrator is able to fix his own motorcycle problems because of the fact that he has familiarized himself with technology, and can use it to his benefit.

                Despite all of the positive influences technology has, there are definitely negative effects, one of the most important being society’s reliance on it. Humans, especially in today’s technologically-based society, have become so accustomed to having technology at their fingertips that they have become dependent upon it. Some have even become addicted to it, as they cannot function properly without it. In addition, the prominence of technology in modern society has led society to become isolated from one another and develop a lack of social skills. While the idea of convenience is significant in regard to communication, people, mainly younger generations that have grown up with advanced technology, do become infatuated with it, constantly checking their phones or laptops. On a larger scale, technology has led to a huge increase in pollution. Large companies and factories that depend on technology to succeed are contributing greatly to the overall amount of pollution in all areas, including noise pollution, air pollution, water pollution, and light pollution. The presence of technology in society is constantly increasing, which speaks volumes for the influences that it will have in the near future, which are not all positive.

Technology’s role in modern-day society is vital, yet there are certain aspects that lead some to question its importance. While technology most definitely has its own positive attributes, there are many flaws in its omnipresence throughout society. Factors such as accessibility to information, communication, travel, and convenience are all benefits of technology, yet one must consider the resulting flaws, such as pollution, isolation, and dependence. As in the case of the narrator, John, and Sylvia, it is up to the individual to determine whether he or she would rather embrace technology or dismiss it.