May 04 2010
SMART TECHNOLOGY… SMART YOU
Technology continues to evolve and the hardware architectural devices, techno-gadgets, and toys continue to multiply. After all, we are living in the 21st Century. The technology is smart and we are enjoying the benefits that the applications technology delivers. In a sense, we and technology are growing up together and learning each and everyday the implications and the effects of these new technologies that are created, mass produced, and distributed to society.
The world has had a glimpse of technology working at its best especially in the wake of disaster. After the devastation of the Haiti earthquake, for instance, we witnessed the sorrow and pain of a country already suffering from poverty and seeing this reality and strength of the people there touched the world. And thanks to the technological developments of mobile phones and the Internet, people’s lives were saved and love ones were re-connected. It was amazing and miraculous to see the role technology played in the midst of this disaster. There were so many trapped people who were able to calm the fears of their loved ones through cell phones, text messages on social networking sites. While television provided an inside look at the impact of the earthquake, social networking sites were utilized to post messages and photos of missing love ones. People were able to communicate they were still alive. Yes, smart technology can be a shining star in the wake of disaster.
Since that time, technology continues its evolution. The iPad was recently released with all of its bell and whistles. The iPhone, blackberry, and net books are smarter, faster, and provide many benefits with their applications. People are engaging in social networking on a global scale and its impact is still being examined. Last year, I posted a blog on Women that Network entitled “Social Networking: A Garden of Eden.” Today, the Garden of Eden theory is holding true as we experience the good and the bad side of technology, or as some may say, the “ying and the yang.” For all the good technology is bringing into our lives, it has brought significant challenges. Facebook, MySpace, texting etc. are wonderful tools of communication; however, they leave a trail of information. They are great tools for surveillance. As one law enforcement officer stated, “Technology has become a great tool for law enforcement.” There are many crimes and schemes conducted through the internet including sexual predators, pornography, and recruitment for terrorism, to name a few. And not to mention elementary and middle school children “sexting” (sending nude photos) through their cell phones. People’s houses are also being robbed as a result of their “tweets” letting criminals know they’re not at home; some are being denied jobs and fired due to their posting graphic content on social networking sites; others are being killed due to texting while driving.
Just because we have all of these smart technologies at our disposal, we have to apply “common sense” and understand the concept of “people trails.” Yes, technology will continue to evolve and bring added value, but it can also subtract things from our lives if we do not become smart in our actions. Nonetheless, we can be assured that technology will continue to be center stage in our lives. It is the way of the world. And while there are many challenges associated with the use and applications of technology for good or for bad, it is here to stay. Be aware, “We the People are providing the content; We the People are compromising our privacy; and We the People need to become smart. Don’t let technology control your senses.
About The Author: Dr. Dhyana Ziegler
Dr. Lady Dhyana Ziegler is Professor of Journalism at Florida A&M University. From 1998-2007, she served as the Assistant Vice President for Instructional Technology and Academic Affairs. From 2006-2007 she also served as the Interim Director of the Office of International Education and Development. Dr. Ziegler came to FAMU in 1997 after she was selected as the Garth C. Reaves Eminent Scholar Chair of Excellence in Journalism. Prior to that appointment, she served as Professor of Broadcasting at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville as well as the Associate Director for Diversity Resources and Educational Services. Dr. Ziegler is the first and only African-American to be elected President of the University of Tennessee-Knoxville Faculty Senate and later was a charter inductee into the University’s African-American Hall of Fame.
One Response to “SMART TECHNOLOGY… SMART YOU”
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Dr. Ziegler brings up some good points in her article about being smart with technology. Importantly, she says, “Yes, technology will continue to evolve and bring added value, but it can also subtract things from our lives if we do not become smart in our actions.” Technology can be extremely distracting in situations such as driving, as brought to national light by Oprah Winfrey with her “No Phone Zone” campaign.
She states, ““My biggest hope for the No Phone Zone campaign is that it becomes mandatory that no one uses their phone in the car or texts while driving — just as seat belts are mandatory, just as driving while drunk is considered absolutely taboo,” Ms. Winfrey said in a statement. “I’m hoping that this becomes not just law, but second nature for all of us.” The hands-free idea helps but honestly I cannot imagine someone texting while driving. Have I signed the No Phone Zone pledge? Definitely YES. There have been 306,020 pledge submissions as of today. We need to make this number even greater.
My other concern with technological driving is bringing the PC to the car. The new 10-inch dashboard screens offer high-definition videos, 3-D maps and Web pages. Supposedly, they prevent drivers from watching video and using some other functions while the car is moving, but they can still pull up other content that takes the their eyes off the road.
Dr. Ziegler is correct that technology has its pluses and minuses. I enjoy learning new technology but common sense has to rein. Don’t put yourself or others in harm’s way by distracting driving.