The role technology plays in our lives is so prominent we need our smartphones and computers to do just about about everything that needs doing.
While some try to reject all the technology in their lives, this foolish view overlooks an important fact– technology is only going to become a bigger part of our world and is necessary to much of our survival.
Our world is characterized by constant change and technology is a big part of how we can easily navigate those changes.
Here are five advantages to embracing today’s technology:
Easy access to information
Relevant information is at our fingertips any time, anywhere.
Information is power, and technology, particularly mobile access to the internet, has removed traditional obstacles to information.
While a few decades ago cell phones were a luxury in wealthy countries, data shows “over half of respondents in Sub-Saharan Africa and about 80 percent of those in Latin America and Southeast Asia have access to cell phones today,” according to the Brookings Institution.
Now we can simply push a few buttons, refresh a webpage, or watch videos to gain fresh insights from the all over the world.
Innovation and creativity
Technology is always advancing, which trains our brains to “be nimble and to process new ideas quickly,” according to some researchers.
It also allows us to be more open to new ideas, and communicate ideas swiftly and freely.
“Google is making us smart,” said Dr. Gary Small, a neuroscientist and professor at UCLA. “Searching online is brain exercise.”
Social networking
Social networking applications such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram help us recconnect with people we lost contact with, or, provide a platform to meet new people and form long-lasting relationships.
More than 80 percent of Americans had a social media profile in 2017, representing a 5 percent growth compared to the previous year, according to recent studies.
The number of worldwide social media users has reached a whopping 1.96 billion, and is expected to grow exponentially by the year 2019.
Convenience in education
With a surge of new learning models available, traditional education methods are evolving rapidly.
Students have different strengths when it comes to learning, and technology allows educators to satisfy the needs of students with unique learning styles.
“We’re currently challenging the paradigm that all 7-year-olds are exactly the same and should be exposed to the same content,” said Brian Greenberg, CEO of Silicon Schools, in an interview with Business Insider. “We’re starting to question what’s right for this seven-year-old versus what’s right for that seven-year-old.”
Improvement in the workplace
In today’s fast growing world, it is virtually impossible to remain independent of technology in the workplace.
Technological advances in recent decades have greatly increased the competitive nature of the business world- making it possible to communicate easily around the globe, hire employees who work remotely and interact more immediately with customers.
A recent report found workers are “more productive when they can bring their own device into work, and when workplace mobility is encouraged.”
by Alexis Rizzolo
CougarBuzz 