Our Relationship with Technology - Final Blog Post

The Complex Dance with Technology 

In an era defined by the constant dependency on the tiny computers we hold in our hands 18 hours of the day, we find ourselves in a critical position to evaluate the relationship we have with technology, personally, and as a nation as a whole. 

Our Nation has always been a passionate protagonist in the global technological narrative. From the industrial revolution's thundering machinery to todays production of iPhones with sleek algorithms, we've romanced technology with an intensity that defines our national spirit. But like any complicated relationship, ours with technology is challenging, and ripe for examination. 

My Personal Connection 

I have not known a life without technology in it. When we would visit the library in my childhood, I was more likely to rent out a CD with a movie rather than a book. I have had a smartphone since I was 13 years old. Now I feel the need to have the newest, and most trending technology that large companies have to offer (specifically Apple). While I do believe that technology does provide an enormous amount of possibility and opportunity for our world today, my personal relationship with technology is something that I wish was different. Technology in my eyes is a double-edged sword. 

With the unlimited access that I have to technology, I have a multitude of opportunities for global connectivity, access to unprecedented information, creative expression, entrepreneurial opportunities, and  social activism. However, I also have access to false information, negative content, and societal pressures to live up to. My digital engagement consumes approximately 5-6 hours daily, primarily through professional communication platforms, social media, and content consumption. While some of this time supports professional development, a significant portion could be classified as passive consumption. I'm simultaneously over-informed and potentially under-educated. Algorithmic content delivery creates an illusion of comprehensive understanding while potentially narrowing my actual comprehension. 

My Online Footprint

While I typically see my personal social media platforms as a way of expression and a source for low-pressure fun, as I have entered a more professional setting of university, my online footprint is something that I find myself thinking about more frequently. 

Social media like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and LinkedIn are all platforms that future employers might check when looking to hire me or a peer of mine. While there is nothing alarming present in my online footprint, I have found myself being more conscious of what I am posting to the World Wide Web and who has access to my content.  

Reflecting on our Relationship with Technology 

Technology has become so deeply embedded in our cultural identity that we often define ourselves through our digital personas and technological consumption. Our devices are no longer just tools—they're extensions of our personal narrative. With intense personal evaluation, I have discovered my personal relationship with technology, especially my phone, is one that needs to be shifted in order to create a more balanced life. But for society as a whole, specifically my generation, the key to positive growth lies in maintaining a critically reflective, intentional approach to digital engagement.

The goal is not total digital abstinence, but thoughtful, purposeful interaction. 

Articles that got me thinking!!

I’m 14, and I quit social media after discovering what was posted about me

How Technology Has Changed America

How Australia Will (or Won’t) Keep Children Off Social Media