Final Blog Post

 My Relationship with Technology

Despite its ongoing presence, technology has become a seamless part of our everyday lives, frequently going unnoticed. Technology simplifies our daily lives, from the smart devices we use for communication to the alarms that wake us up. It controls the supply chains that deliver our groceries, runs the traffic lights on our commute, and makes online banking, entertainment, and education possible. Even our household products, such as washing machines, refrigerators, and thermostats, frequently have intelligent functions built in that operate silently in the background. We depend on technology constantly without even recognizing it, making it an invisible yet essential part of modern society.

Innovation and advancement are fueled by technology, which enhances sectors including business, education, and healthcare. It facilitates quicker communication, simplifies intricate procedures, and improves information accessibility. But social media, a particular aspect of technology, is problematic because it may spread false information, lead to unhealthy habits, and create unreasonable expectations. Social media frequently exacerbates societal problems like loneliness and divisiveness, in contrast to more general technology improvements that seek to address problems. To overcome these obstacles, digital platforms must be used carefully and regulated to maximize their advantages while avoiding their drawbacks.

Technology has transformed the way we communicate. Even though it definitely has its benefits, there are some negatives. People don't interact the way they used to. Nowadays you add a random person on snapchat and start talking to them on the phone instead of having a real interaction with them in person. It would be so much nicer to meet someone in person and get to know them rather than over the phone. They could be lying over the phone and in person, you get to hear their voice and get to know all their mannerisms. Over the phone you just get to ask random questions that they could possibly lie about.

Technology has also in my opinion made everyone rude. It's so much easier to say something negative behind a screen rather than in person because you're not saying it to their face. Now your phone can be a distraction when you're at an event, you might not socialize as much because you would rather be on your phone. This is a big problem in my opinion because in the real world you need to be outgoing if you ever want to be successful. You need to learn how to walk up to someone and strike up a conversation with them. You're never going to learn how to do that if you are always on your phone hiding behind your screen.

I have a complex and thankful relationship with technology. I genuinely value how it improves our lives by facilitating communication, giving us access to a wealth of knowledge, and making daily chores easier. I use technology as a tool and appreciate its vast possibilities. On the other hand, I am aware of how readily social media can be abused or overused. The productivity and connections that technology is supposed to promote are frequently undermined by the simple temptation to engage in constant browsing, comparison, or diversion. I appreciate what technology has to offer, but I'm also aware that if social media isn't used carefully, it may cloud its beneficial effects

EOTO REAX #2

Tiktok Bans

I unfortunately use TikTok every single day without fail. I spend so much of my time on the app, when I could be studying or doing something else that is a lot more productive. TikTok's video clips have captured the attention of millions of people worldwide, making it an entertainment powerhouse. Despite its widespread use, proposals for TikTok bans have gathered momentum in a number of nations due to worries about privacy, threats to national security, and the app's negative effects on mental health. While experts worry about the app's effects on attention spans and general well-being, governments claim that its data-collection methods and possible connections to foreign groups create a security risk.

TikTok provides consumers with an apparently limitless supply of creativity, connection, and enjoyment. But there is a price for this. The algorithm of the program is meant to optimize user involvement, which frequently results in hours of pointless scrolling. Addiction, anxiety, and problems with self-esteem can all be increased by this compulsive use. Due to frequent comparisons with carefully chosen, often fictitious content, studies indicate that excessive use of social media, especially TikTok, can interfere with sleep cycles and worsen feelings of not being enough.

TikTok bans may be good for our brains and general wellness. Restricting access would allow people to spend more time offline, rediscover interests, or recover hours lost to scrolling. People may be able to concentrate more intently on relationships and tasks if TikTok is removed since it may also lessen the steady stream of stimuli that breaks attention spans.

But our reliance on TikTok exposes a more basic social urge for escape and connection. These cravings might just be diverted elsewhere if the app is banned, but they won't be eliminated. Finding better digital practices and platforms that enhance rather than diminish lives is the difficult part. Although there is no denying TikTok's widespread attraction, releasing ourselves from its inescapable hold could be a start for a more balanced and mindful lifestyle.