Have Improvements in Technology Created a Modern-day Utopia?

Did the age of telecommunications and modern technology produce a utopia for the future?
In a way, technological progression elicited thoughts of a Utopian lifestyle. Telecommunications and modern technology made the steps toward becoming industrialized nations more tangible. These progressions enabled new methods of export and import to be used, they lent their face to new architecture and art forms, and they created pathways into other discoveries such as science or medicine. Telecommunications made it possible for up-to-the minute updates about news and other current events. While, these technological advances proved to be all the rage for some; they negatively effected others as a phase-out of the old, and introductions and assimilation of the new.
Justify your position.
Technology in the realm of telecommunications has enabled disabled individuals to be able to communicate with their families, and peers. It has been able to help integrate them into society by way of communication devices and other assistive technologies. For example, individuals with non-speaking disabilities may use a computer that generates either typed messages or a computerized voice as a means to communicate with those around them. Technologies such as these have equipped disabled students with tools to go on to pursue secondary education opportunities, create niches for others with disabilities within the workforce, and become self-sufficient members of society.

Another utopian feature of technology is the advancements it provided in the fields of law, medicine, and science. Law enforcement have more avenues to investigate crimes thanks to evolutions in technology. DNA evidence to convict or exclude suspects as well as identify victims, lasers and radars to locate human remains, surveillance via voice, video, or GPS tracking are just some of advancements law enforcement have stood to benefit as a result of novel technologies. New methods have been developed for amputees to perform delicate tasks like grasp small objects between the phalanges of the prosthetic through signals communicated from the brain. In a similar field, scientists are discovering ways to treat and prevent certain diseases through research with more sophisticated technology than ever before. Education has even benefited from the forging ahead toward industrialization, as I wouldn't be typing this perspective on humanities and technology for all to read — whom reside many states from where I currently am.

Advancements such as computers, cell phones, television, gaming systems, and portable music players have decreased the traditional interactions humans used to experience. Mediums such as computers and cell phones have enabled consumers to shop, bank and invest, as well as communicate in real-time from afar. With these steps of furthering technology also came increased risks for security issues. One prime example is the theft of identities via sensitive personal information leaked on the world wide web, impersonation behind the computer to commit fraud or other crimes, email scams like phishing and/or spam, and telephone scams all soar beyond the beliefs of anyone who would think computers could bring about a society devoid of malfeasance.

The jeopardizing of livelihood (and individual lives) seemed to not be fore-thoughts of the advancements in American technology, however, for all members of society— some of these progressions proved detrimental to who they were and how they survived.

It began as far back as the European settlers infringing upon the Native Americans' home-place, and swapping out the Natives' traditional baskets and bowls for pots and pans. As slave labor became a bulk source of income, later machines like the hay baler, or cotton gin, and tractor replaced agricultural tasks done by hand in the past. In that instance it may have been a glimpse toward a brighter future, for mankind. However, as machines begin to take the places of factory workers, the utopia of modern technology begins to appear less attractive.

As menial labor is outsourced to nations up and coming on the industrialized list...more and more Americans find themselves out of work and unable to land even minimum paying jobs. Technology has, not only affected American economic outlooks both positively and negatively, but it has affected our health in a much more adverse way. In so that, a disproportionate majority of American (adults and children) are now overweight and obese. This, due to an increase in sedentary lifestyles— which are fueled by having so many luxuries, literally, at our fingertips. According to research studies, this generation of Americans are the first who are expected to not outlive their parents.

The conclusion can be drawn that the advance of technology has serious downsides. Fortunately, items that some, accustomed to an industrialized lifestyle, can take for granted such electricity or clean, hot running water prove to be stark reminders that at this point in history, we (as a nation) have progressed a great deal. Utopia is defined as an “ideally perfect state; especially in its social and political and moral aspects” which is far from where any nation in the world currently stands. No matter how far the progression; Utopia, the imaginary island from Sir Thomas More's book, is a work of fiction for a reason. Because, as this essay has outlined: where there is human involvement or interaction there will be chaos; whether intentional or not.

References:

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Schwartz, J., & Zezima, K. (2010, December 8). With Video Everywhere, Stark Evidence Is on Trial. The New York Times. Retrieved December 10, 2010, from http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/09/us/09jury.html?_r=1&ref=technology#

WebMd. (2009, April 29). Assistive Technology for Cognitive Problems: 10 Gadgets and Strategies for Caregivers. In Web Md. Retrieved December 11, 2010, from http://www.webmd.com/brain/technology-products-for-caregivers