Growing in leaps and bounds, technology currently dictates every sphere of human lives. It is now easier, effective, and more convenient to perform tasks that even seemed impossible in the past. Technological advancement has also come with a fair share of disadvantages because people are now lazier and weaker than ever. Modern luxuries and conveniences impede the wholesome development of people into strong and independent personalities because they inhibit critical thinking and creativity and hinder physical activity, but they have given humanity more control over their lives and time.
Critical Thinking and Creativity
Contemporary luxuries and conveniences significantly inhibit critical thinking and creativity. According to Wu (n.p.), these conveniences have invalidated other options. For example, for those who own washing machines, using hands seem almost like an abomination. Similarly, virtually no one would think of walking on foot when trains, trams, and buses snake through cities. It is often said that necessity is the mother of invention. Contemporary luxuries and conveniences have taken away the necessity, giving people no incentive to get creative and crafty in doing tasks. It is this incentive that had inventors of the past thinking deeply about how to solve existing problems. Presently, it seems like most of them have been addressed, and what one needs to do is, for instance, access the internet to find all the information, load airtime, and make a call. In the past, they would be scratching their heads, thinking of ways to solve the problems. The absence of incentives has made individuals unable to think and come up with creative ways to solve existing problems, probably depending on others to do them on their behalf.
Physical Activity
Similarly, modern conveniences and luxuries have, for the most part, discouraged physical activity. Zagalaz-Sánchez et al. (2) agree that the extensive use of mobile devices has reduced the rate of physical activity among people. These devices particularly encourage a completely sedentary lifestyle. Children prefer sitting for lengthy periods playing video-games, while some watch movies for hours on end. Similarly, a modern young person prefers sitting and chatting with their contacts. The only time they move is when looking for food, finding a charging port for their devices, or even loading up airtime to facilitate further engagement. In the past, some civilizations walked long distances to locate and communicate with their contacts, as others visited movie theatres a distance away from their homes. Some preferred engaging in actual physical games such as football and wrestling instead of playing them in the confines of their homes. Arguably, the limited movement has created a physically unfit and weaker generation.
Control Over Life
On the contrary, modern luxuries and conveniences have given people more control over their lives and time. According to Aging in Place (n.p.), these luxuries and conveniences comprise multifunctional devices such as mobile phones. Together with computers and other smart devices, technological advancement has ensured that people no longer depend on others as much as before. For instance, one can plan for their entertainment and do it as they please. Moreover, the faster, quicker, and more accessible transport system makes it possible for people to plan trips and draw their schedules.
Conclusion
Verily, modern luxuries and conveniences impede the wholesome development of people into strong and independent personalities. People no longer have the incentive to think for themselves and engage in innovative activities like before. They move less and sit more to chat and watch television instead of visiting theatres and exercising while at it. However, people have better control of their lives and time. The result is an extremely comfortable but weak and technologically-dependent population.
Works Cited
Aging in Place. “Technology in Our Life Today and How It Has Changed.” AgingInPlace.Org, AgingInPlace.org, 24 Sept. 2018, www.aginginplace.org/technology-in-our-life-today-and-how-it-has-changed/.
Wu, Tim. “The Tyranny of Convenience.” The New York Times, 16 Feb. 2018, www.nytimes.com/2018/02/16/opinion/sunday/tyranny-convenience.html.
Zagalaz-Sánchez, María Luisa, et al. “Mini Review of the Use of the Mobile Phone and Its Repercussion in the Deficit of Physical Activity.” Frontiers in Psychology, vol. 10, June 2019, doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01307.