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14
3
Technology is a Boon Technology is a Bane
Debate Score:17
Arguments:13
Total Votes:17
Ended:08/03/12
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 Technology is a Boon (10)
 
 Technology is a Bane (3)

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Technology is more of a Boon than a Bane

Technology is a Boon

Side Score: 14
Winning Side!
VS.

Technology is a Bane

Side Score: 3
3 points

Our world runs on technology going without it just doesn't make sense. If technology was taken out of our society our greatest compilation of knowledge is gone. (quite comparable to burning a library). Our medicine would go back to herbs and cutting our selves till the "bad blood" drains out. Economies around the world collapse there will be massive inflation, and reversion to an agricultural economy.

Side: Technology is a Boon
1 point

Therefore, without Technology there won't be such a debate now, and the world will be like a caveman age!

Side: Technology is a Boon
3 points

I believe that technology is more of a boon than a bane. Technology has evolved over the years and helped our way of living and lifestyles. There are many types of technology like Information Technology, Biotechnology, Medical Technology and many more.

One of the most influential technologies is Medical Technology.

Medical technology is the application of Science and Technology to improve the management of health conditions.It has contributed greatly to the society as it can save lives and increase chances for patients to survive their ordeal. Technology in the medical field has allowed individuals with chronic illness to have productive and healthier lives. These individuals can now lead independent lives without any need for physical, emotional and financial support. Advanced medical aids also enables patients to continue recovery at home reducing their hospital stay and at the same time saving money on hospital bills.

An example of medical technology that has benefited lives is the treatment for of cardiovascular disease, the use of coronary stents - artificial tubes used in cases of coronary heart disease to keep the arteries open – have halved the number of those dying from heart attacks or suffering from heart failure. Patients with an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) – a small device implanted for those at risk of sudden cardiac death – now have a 98% chance of surviving a cardiac arrest, compared to only 5% without the implantable device. In addition, the minimally-invasive surgical techniques which are now used to treat aneurysms can mean a recovery time of around four weeks, compared to over a year for older procedures.

Hence, all in all, medical technology plays a vital role in allowing people to remain valuable and contributing members of the society.

Secondly, Information Technology that enable us to use internet and enabling us to use such online platforms to have debates without going face to face and social networking sites that allow us to communicate even at home. This Technology allow us to have better connect between people for example having mobile devices allow us to have easier communication can allow us to contact 24/7 without meeting up, without technology how do we meet up or contact, it also allow us to contact our loved ones or friends and families that are oversea easily.

Lastly, Biotechnology which allow people who are born with disabled body to actually work and live a life of normal people one of the example is a man called "Oscar Pistorius". He is one of the people who is unfortunate and have to amputate his leg due to some kind of diseases, despite his disability, he move on with life with the help of Biotechnology that allow him to have special prosthetic legs that allow him to walk and run like normal person. There are also many cases on Earth whereby Biotechnology helped the lives of human beings and other living organisms.

Hence, i shall end off by reiterating my stand that technology is more of a boon than a bane to society.

Side: Technology is a Boon
1 point

Technology is more of a boon. Technology has made great impact on many growing industries. For many of us, we see technology as the inventions of cell phones and social networking which have made such great development in the communication industry. However, there are many other industries wherein technology has been pivotal in indirectly transforming different areas of our daily lives. For example, there is Medical Technology, Instructional Technology, Information Technology and many more.

Instructional technology, also known as Educational Technology refers to technologies that are used to teach, learn and communicate certain ideas effectively. These include television, computers, computer software, the internet, videotapes and video recording devices, among others. All these are necessary because they deliver information and communicate in different ways. Technology is helping teachers to expand beyond linear, text-based learning and to engage students who learn best in other ways. Its role in schools has evolved from a contained “computer class” into a versatile learning tool that could change how we demonstrate concepts, assign projects and assess progress.

An article in edweek.org , there was a demanding increase to upgrade their technological infrastructure. According to the Federal Communications Commission, 97 percent of schools across the country had Internet connectivity as of 2010 (FCC, 2010). This proves that technology in education is a positive thing. Researchers have found out that college students score higher in classes that incorporate instructional technology than in traditional classes according to an article from ScienceDaily in March 2008.

Therefore, instructional technology which plays a part of technology brings more benefit than destruction.

Secondly, there is Medical technology. It can be considered as any technology used to save lives in individuals suffering from a wide range of conditions. It is already diagnosing, monitoring and treating virtually every disease or condition that affects us. Examples of Medical Technology are sticking plasters, spectacles, wheelchairs and hearing aids. Meanwhile, at the high tech end of the scale, medical technology includes total body scanners, implantable devices such as heart valves and pacemakers, and replacement joints for knees and hips. In fact, there are around 500,000 medical technologies currently available and they all share a common purpose which is improving and extending peoples’ lives. They all contribute to living longer, better and empowering citizens to contribute to society for longer. In so doing, they improve the quality of care, and the efficacy and sustainability of healthcare systems. In Europe, medical technology is also a major contributor to the EU economy, employing over 500,000 people in high quality jobs and generating sales revenue of over €95 billion per year.

Life expectancy in EU countries is improving steadily. On average, life expectancy at birth for the three-year period 2005-07 stood at 74.3 years for men and 80.8 years for women, an increase of six years since 19801. At the same time, healthcare expenditure has also risen. In the same period, EU countries spent, on average, 8.3% of their GDP on health, up from 7.3% in 1998, albeit with variations between individual countries2. This clearly shows that technology has a positive impact on people’s lives as throughout the years, technology is improving and the people’s conditions are also improving.

In conclusion, with the evidences given, technology is more of boon as it has impacted a large number of people in the society in a positive way.

Side: Technology is a Boon
1 point

Technology is more of a boon than a bane as and here are some points to support this answer:

Easier life- With technological machines, people are getting help in every sector. Cars and bikes are helping people to reach anywhere quickly. Airplane and trains have been reducing distance between cities and countries. Computers and the internet are providing information in a simple way, and also changed our way of communication. Now people are video conferencing and chatting online to communicate with their friends and family, making use of communication technology.

Lesser mistakes- Machines are helping people make lesser mistakes. Robots or machines are working accurately and programming them with proper information is most necessary. Like in production of any auto-motives, most of manufacturing companies are using automatic machines which follow instructions of computer programming or is being controlled by a person manually. And all work gets done with better precision.

Saves time- Technology is saving our time, for an example you can travel across the world in within a short time limit when we compare to the previous modes of travel.With computers you can do any work in a reduced amount of time and also helps to enhance the quality and performance of your task. Machines are helping people in kitchen too. Ovens and microwaves help people prepare food in a short amount of time.

Side: Technology is a Boon
1 point

I believe that technology is a boon.

To begin with, technology the branch of knowledge that deals with the creation and use of technical means and their interrelation with life, society, and the environment, drawing upon such subjects as industrial arts, engineering, applied science, and pure science. In this modern era, people all around the world basically cannot live without technology. Many things now require the use of technology and it has unknowingly been a need in our lives as it has brought convenience to our lives. The technology of hand phones and computers allows communication to be easy and ideas can get across in a quick and efficient way .With the technology of televisions, we are also able to learn more information about the world and keep updated. While using the internet, everybody can search for things that they are unclear of or are interested in. It provides all types of information which is definitely a blessing. Schools nowadays use online portals to let students learn and explore more by posting links or videos on the internet. It is also convenient for finding information to complete projects or a research. Businessmen can also use the internet to create websites to promote their products. For instance, parents can contact their child in case of an emergency with the use of phones. Just punch in a couple of numbers and you can feel assured of where your close ones are. The inventions of laptops or notebooks have made our lives easier as well.We no longer have to use a pen and paper to store information. Imagine writing an encyclopedia with your hands, how tiring would that be? Lastly, imagine a world without televisions,live would be dull and unentertaining. It is a good form of displaying imformation for the whole nation to see and information will spread quickly. Before telephones, emails and fax machines, there were trains, carriages and the pony express with the modes of traveling we have now we have been able to make the world smaller so to speak. With technology we enjoy luxuries such as movies, television, fresh food and refrigerators, ovens to cook on and bake in. Research have shown that 94% of the world uses at least one form of technology. This shows how independent we are on it.The mere fact that technology is the order of the day is sufficient to highlight the importance of technology. It's probably scary to imagine a life without all the technology around us, as we're so much habitual to it.

Secondly,by far, the major driver of economic growth is the creation of new technology, which increases efficiency and also often creates entirely new ways to make a living. More and more tasks are made simple through technology every year, and more areas of life are improved. Technologies such as the radio, the computer and the automobile have created many economic booms of the past. Economists stress the importance of technology in creating long-term growth. Businessmen also use technology to promote. Examples are telemarketing,creating videos or shows to be played on televisions,creating websites and posting pictures or information and pamphlets that are printed in colour and large quantities and then delivered by vehicles. Consumers can also purchase products online now with the technology of ‘PayPal’ and having Wi-Fi wherever you are to check out the latest in stocks.

Lastly,technology has also aided education widely. It is a misconception that technology should only be studied by students who are studying technology related subjects. The mere fact is that use of technology has spread in every sphere of subjects, be it arts, commerce or scienceFor example, a computer science engineering student needs to be aware of computer programming, an art student is not expected to know computer programming but certainly the art student has to be aware about using computers easily. Technology provides rich and varied experiences to students. Online education has become possible only due to the extensive use of technology in schools and colleges. Obtaining online degree programs has become easier by signing up for some simple certificate courses. A study conducted by an educational organization suggests that interaction with technology for students in the early years of life is better, as kids have an inherent ability to understand and grasp things faster. Moreover, reading, writing, analytical and visual skills of people have been found to improve after they've been trained in technology. The importance of technology in schools can be attributed to the fact that through interactive video lectures, PowerPoint presentations and live explanation of science topics, students have been able to develop a better understanding of various subjects. Video conferencing has made it easier for various schools to help their kids listen to important lectures by their teachers if they are not physically present in classrooms. Special education has become easier after introduction of technology in educational system for candidates who are unable to be taught some subjects due to physical limitations. Technology in schools has made the administration process simpler and less ambiguous. School records, attendance and school database maintenance has become very simple, allowing the schooling system to be simpler. Every job profile in today's work environment demands the use of technology.

Others might think that people have been overly dependent on technology. There are both sides of the use of technology but if we analyze pros then they certainly outweigh the cons, because ultimately technology is a necessity in today's life. Things like traveling, eating or learning might have been an obstacle. We all would have constantly been going around in a circle,without a window to success and improvement.

There can be no doubt that civilization has been enhanced through the advantages of technology. It began as soon as humans arrived on earth, and will unquestionably continue until such day that humans are no longer part of the world.Had our forefathers not made revolutionary discoveries and produced series of technological breakthroughs, would our life be like it is today? Would it had been possible for us to gain so much knowledge and exchange information with everyone across the globe? And as our world is developing and global communication is taking a new dimension, technology has a great impact on our society, environment and life. Therefore I believe that technology is a boon as it had made our live and living conditions better.

Side: Technology is a Boon
1 point

I agree that technology is more of a boon than a bane. Technology refers to the study, development, and application of devices, machines, and techniques for manufacturing and productive processes. therefore there are many divisions which fall into the category of technology. Medical technology, biotechnology are some examples, but this is merely scratching the surface.

I have chosen to use the educational sector as proof that technology is indeed a blessing to society. Educational technology applies to the development, application, and evaluation of systems and techniques for improving the process of human learning. Educational technology includes but is not limited to software, hardware, and Internet applications and activities.

I will now move on to my main point. I believe educational technology opens up more opportunities for students.

Such technology allows teachers and students to access and to be able to work with a range of authentic materials and updated information regardless of their circumstances, financial or geographical. Data, collections and even connections of the world's best schools and universities are just a click away. Students are then equipped with more resources and are therefore able to have a better understanding of their lessons and subjects. With these benefits made available through technology, no student is deterred from learning from the best and what the world has to offer.

Some people have already realised this benefit of technology. In an article from the Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation posted in 2010, the department of education in the Department of Education launched a programme that provided laptops for students in the Philippines. Mr Ryan Letada, eKindling executive director, said the One Laptop Per Child(OLPC) programme is a non-profit, worldwide project that aims to create educational opportunities for the children in less developed regions of the world by providing each child with a rugged, low-cost, low-power, connected laptop with content and software designed for collaborative, joyful, self-empowered learning. He stated that "when children have access to this type of tool, they get engaged in their own education. They learn, share, create and collaborate."

"They become connected to each other, to the world and to a brighter future," Letada explained. The project has also launched in Uganda, Madagascar, Nepal and many more.

This shows just how much impact technology has made, how much it can do to make a difference in the world. Therefore, I agree that technology is a boon to society as it gives not only more opportunities, but also gives people from all corners of the globe equal opportunities in education.

Side: Technology is a Boon
1 point

Technology is widely stereotyped with latest mobile phones and other gadgets. In my opinion technology is more than that. Technology is anything that applies science ,especially for a industrial or commercial purpose and for the betterment of human race. Thus, technology is any thing from a single needle which uses the concept of pressure to pierce through materials to a huge space craft that make use of chemical reactions to produce thrust. Let me give you an example: Without technology the stone age humans would not have any thing to hunt with and would most likely starve to death, and we would not be here debating now .This is why technology is not an enemy but a friend, responsible for our survival.

There are many things which are possible with the advance technology today. Today, due to technology, we are able to do things within seconds which took hours to do a thousand years back, travel from one part of the globe to other in a few days which took months before. Life is much easier and efficient due to technology. Technology is a blessing rather than a curse.

Without technology there would be no life. Hence, technology is a boon not a bane.

Side: Technology is a Boon
muleyishaan(3) Disputed
1 point

Rebuttal:

I do not agree that technology is a boon and not a bane. Feel that technology is a curse to human race. Due to technology there are weapons, and due to availability of weapons there are wars that destroy human life as well as the environment. Due to technology there is a huge increase in the fossil fuel usage starving Earth off its resources releasing green house gases, polluting the atmosphere. Having privileges at the expense of mother nature is certainly not right even if they make life easier faster and efficient. Thus, technology is a bane not a boon

Side: Technology is a Bane
1 point

Technology is most of the time a positive influence in modern life. This issue has especially come into vogue in the last decade due to the mind-boggling pace of technology. Also, this issue is a controversial one.

Firstly, it is undeniable that technology has made our lives easier. These tasks, by their very nature, are frustrating and reduce the productivity of an individual. For example, consider the task of an accountant, having to key in various statistics as a part of his job. Before the advance of computers, he had to do this job manually "by hand". Obviously, the job involves tedious computations on his part. Such a job will, no doubt, lead to frustration and the person will soon lose all motivation to actually carry on. On the other hand, if such tiresome tasks are automated, not only will it make the accountant's job easier but it will also improve efficiency and accuracy of the job.

Secondly, the creation of certain technology products such as phones, faxing, paging services, mobile services, video conferencing and others are the few of the facilities that made a positive impact on the human mind. All have played a very important part in making the world a ‘Global Village’. Technology has ensured that one can easily communicate with anyone on land, in air (aeroplanes) or even when the person is under the calm waves of dark deep-sea (submarines). These technology saved time and effort positively.

Thirdly, the development in the field of Television has a very big impact of Americans. On an average, an American with a life spam of 65 years spends more than 151 hours per month that is 9 years of his life watching television. Children on an average spend more time on Television programs than with parents. In the case of Internet, you surf through websites and study, earn, shop, play, transfer funds or do anything just by a mouse click. To say in simple words Life ends at your doorstep! In a statistical report for the year 2010, it is states that around 77.3% of the U.S population uses Internet connection. In the field of Telecommunication, around 91% of Americans use cell phone that is around 285 million users. Technology actually impact a large portion of the world, if not all.

Technology is in the advancing pace with a change in the track everyday. The fact is that the developments in technology are developing day by day. The best part is that the upgraded technology not only saves money, time, etc for mankind but also makes his life more interesting with thrills and enjoyment. The advancement in technology was ideas represented in mathematical and scientific equations and not as material objects. The development in the field of technology started with the arrival of humans on earth and will continue till the humans become extinct. To say Technology is something by Mankind. The pros and cons of technology is nothing but the effects and defects of man’s inventions.

~ siti syarah :P

Side: Technology is a Boon
Micmacmoc(2259) Disputed
1 point

Puffy,

I read all of your argument and it intrigued me when I saw that almost everything you wrote came directly from a certain site: http://www.exampleessays.com/viewpaper/46512.html . However, I was also interested in the fact that you only listed the good points.

Whilst it is true that technology makes our lives moderately easier, it also takes lives. "The accountant's job easier but it will also improve efficiency and accuracy of the job", this doesn't matter compared to the lives lost. Technology has been the cause for many lives lost and will be in the future. Just think of all the wars and faults in technology that have dictated death. I do not know how many billions of people have died in the past because of conflict, or how many will in the future, but I am sure that the number is one that nobody is keen upon. When technology is used intentionally for the purpose to take human life there is nothing that can justify the use of it. How easy the accountant's job becomes is irrelevant in the scheme of things.

"On average, an American with a life spam"

Many Americans probably do have lives that are dictated by spam, but that is irrelevant. I know you meant to say 'span' but the fact is that because of technology people sometimes do have very bad lives. Cyber bullying is one of the largest causes for teen suicides in the world. It is something that did not exist when technology was more primitive, and the loss of human life that can be accredited to technology still does not justify how many games you have on your console or what beauty treatments you can now have. Of course "technology actually impact a large portion of the world", but not necessarily in a good way. Nine out of ten teens have witnessed cyber bullying on a social networking site; technology affects us all, but not in the way we may have liked it to.

Conclusion

The bad from technology (death, cyber bullying, torture, etc.) heavily outweighs the good from technology (strawberry flavoured ice cream).

Side: Technology is a Bane
1 point

Technology is more of a boon than a bane. This is mainly because without technology , it would not be possible for everyone to connect with each other. Technology has allowed everyone to get to know each other better. Places like facebook has allow everyone to post and update statuses which lets others know what you were or are doing at the moment . Technology has also allowed people to post status anywhere anytime as handphones now can easily access the internet with a wifi or broad band availble . With this easy access to the internet , friends can not only chat in school but at homes too . Secondly , only with technology will we be able to learn more about the world. With the television , we get to know the latest world news and happenings . With handphones we can use the internet to find informations for projects as soon as possible anywhere anytime. With computers, people can surf the internet with ease . Thus because technology has brought us so much convienience, technology is more of a boon than a bane.

Side: Technology is a Boon
1 point

Technology has removed life from this planet. Over the ages, I do not know how many billions of people have died because of technology but I do not think that it is a number that we would all like. Several bad things have come from technology over the ages, many of them bad, many of them good - but the fact is that it has taken more lives than it has saved.

1) Bombs

I don't know how many millions of lives have been claimed by bombs, but I am sure that the number is astonishingly huge, and it is a number that may make people cringe.

2) Guns

Millions of lives have been taken by guns, too. Guns and bombs were made to kill - and there is little more purpose to them than that. Is taking lives ever a good thing? Can you defend the loss of human life for the sake of wanting to text a smiley face to someone?

3) Bad drugs

Many bad drugs may have started with the intention of being good, but the fact is that just in America, 100 people die from drug overdoses every day. These may even be originally good drugs with the intention of being used for good things, but sometimes that is not the case. I don't know how many people die worldwide from drugs but for 100 to die every day in one country has to be something.

4) Bagpipes

Yes, they're just annoying.

5) Social Networking sites

Nine of ten teenagers have witnessed bullying on social networking sites such as Facebook and there are all sorts of negative things that surrounds them. Privacy isn't an easy thing to acquire on all of these sites and many people suffer because of that.

Have a quick scan of the link below to see some terrible stories that derive because of Facebook. Are any of them good?

Conclusion

A number of these examples have taken millions of lives themselves, and combined they form something terrible. To say that they're okay, though, is ridiculous. To say that we can bomb and take lives for the sake of a "good projector, laptop" is ridiculous.

Side: Technology is a Bane