The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

With any new technology comes the good, the bad, and the ugly. Television brought 24-hour news, reality TV, and adult premium channels. The Internet brought email communication, chat rooms, and everyone having a website. As technology expands the world adapts and learns how to take advantage.

In the Megan Lindow article "How SMS Could Save Your Life" is an example of how technology can be used for the best possible way. The article describes how text messaging is being used to track AIDS patients in South Africa. Doctors are able to treat more patients than ever before through the use of this technology. Patients can text their doctors when they are facing side-effects from their medicines or need a home visit. Doctors are able to text their clinics to obtain patient records and medical histories.

The Russell Buckley article "The Death Knell of Privacy" is an example of how the use of technology can be taken too far. The article describes how offices are using tracking devices and cameras to watch their employees. They are able to see when an employee is not doing work, out for a cigarette break, out to lunch, or playing online. I believe that this invasion of privacy is an example of technology taken over the line.

With any new technology comes benefits, but there will always be drawbacks. We must be careful no to take it too far.