Exploring the Positive and Negative Impacts of Technology Today

Exploring the Positive and Negative Impacts of Technology Today 

By Lars Guo 

Published: July 24, 2025

Technology has become one of humanity’s greatest strengths—and also one of our biggest vulnerabilities. On the one hand, it has made life vastly more convenient, but on the other, it risks weakening our skills, thinking, and self-reliance. With access to nearly unlimited tools and information, we should be more capable than ever—yet in some ways, we’re becoming less independent. We must consider both the benefits and drawbacks of living in a highly technological world. Who will maintain the machines we now rely on? How exactly has technology improved our lives—and what has it taken away?

This photo was taken by me

There’s no denying the convenience: we no longer need to wash our clothes by hand in a river or well. The internet gives us instant access to endless knowledge. Smartphones keep us connected with loved ones across the globe. Refrigerators preserve our food. Computers let us type and revise documents with ease—no more starting over because of a typo. Machinery has made mass production faster and safer, especially in clothing and manufacturing. The ability to take online classes and work remotely has expanded access and flexibility. During the 2019–2020 pandemic, millions had to adapt overnight. Thanks to technology, many people were able to continue working and learning from home, saving time and money on commuting. However, this shift came with downsides: reduced in-person interaction and the challenge of getting help when working in isolation.

Yet we are also reaching a tipping point—where technology begins to control us more than we control it. Subscriptions are now required not only for entertainment but even to use essential devices like printers and smart fridges. AI is entering nearly every field: it’s being used to write stories, create art, draft legal documents, build presentations, and more. Jobs are being replaced by AI and robots—especially in writing, translation, art, and retail.

As a cashier myself, I see this firsthand. Self-checkout systems are replacing traditional cashiers. As a consumer, I make a conscious effort to support live workers, knowing the implications. Writing and artistic jobs are being outsourced to machines, often at the cost of human creativity and skill. Language-based careers are especially vulnerable. While AI can translate text, it still struggles with slang, cultural nuance, and full-sentence accuracy. Personally, I wouldn’t rely on AI to translate my light novel—doing so would not only fall short in quality, but also undermine my language learning journey. We’re also seeing students use AI to complete assignments, bypassing the need to actually learn math, reading, and writing. This is dangerous. Technology can fail, and when it does, those without foundational skills may find themselves helpless.

So is there still value in learning the "old-fashioned" way—with textbooks, practice, and self-expression? Absolutely. Kids need to build their own ideas, vocabulary, grammar, and communication skills. In math, you may not always have access to a calculator. In history or science, relying solely on AI can be risky due to potential inaccuracies. Foreign language learning, backed by scientific research, supports brain development and cognitive growth. Music, art, and other creative electives are essential for discovering and nurturing individual talents. These talents, in turn, can inspire new innovations—and even help make future AI smarter. At its core, AI is limited to what humans feed into it. It’s not a true replacement for human thought, creativity, and adaptability.

What do you think? Do you agree with the benefits and drawbacks of technology? Has technology taken control of our lives—or are we still in control of it? Do you welcome technological change, or approach it with caution? Although I haven’t covered every possible example, I hope this gives you something to think about as the next wave of technology rolls into our lives.

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