Student Essay - Are there benefits to be gained if we avoid the use of modern technology? - Wee Su Kyung, Year 11, Sayfol International Schoo

Are there benefits to be gained if we avoid the use of modern technology? - Wee Su Kyung, Year 11, Sayfol International School

Modern technology has improved our lives. However, as I have seen on television, there are some people who avoid the use of modern technology. Here are some of the benefits to be gained.

Firstly, avoiding the use of modern technology can reduce pollution and improve the state of our environment. Cars, airplanes and other forms of transportation involve the use of modern technology. If we avoid such modes of transportation, all sort of pollution can be reduced. Harmful gases such as carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide from cars cause air pollution. This will lead to global warming and acid rain. Furthermore, acid rain will lead to water pollution. In addition, reducing the number of factories, another product of modern technology, and promoting cottage industries can help reduce pollution. Toxic wastes from factories are one of the major causes of river and sea pollution. Furthermore, poisonous gases from the chimneys of the factories contribute to global warming and acid rain which pollutes the environment. Products from cottage industries which require less technology are more unique and could benefit us by producing less pollution. Therefore, our environment would become a healthier place to live in if we avoid the use of modern technology.

Secondly, our health will improve if we try to be less reliant on modern technology. Dependence of modern household appliances cause people to become lazy. As household appliances such washing machines, dishwashers, vacuum cleaners and garden sprinklers do most of the household chores for us, people’s movement has greatly reduced. Coupled with the fact that people do not exercise enough these days, many are now experiencing health problems caused by obesity. Furthermore, our sources of entertainment can be found easily in the home due to improved technology and so we do not need to go out for entertainment. In the past, when there was no television, computers or game players, people went outside to find entertainment, which usually involved physical activity such as playing football or swimming. However, most forms of entertainment in the present can be enjoyed without moving out bodies. We need just one finger to press the button on our remote control to get the channel we want to watch. Thus, many people nowadays lack exercise and become unhealthy. In my opinion, our health can be greatly improved by avoiding the use of modern technology.

In conclusion, reducing pollution and becoming healthier are the two benefits which can be gained by reducing the use of modern technology. We should sometimes try to go back to the simple ways of the past even though modern technology provides us many conveniences.